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Empty Suitors: A woman’s caffeinated journey through a year of dates and self-discovery
Julie Stoddard, once nominated the girl most likely to succeed, sees herself in 3D – divorced, depressed and dating again. After a lifetime of doing what others thought was best for her, she decides to try a new recipe for finding love and quickly learns that a touch of humor makes everything taste better.
The reader joins Julie over the course of a year for the rockiest ride of her life. You'll laugh and cry with Julie as she learns volumes about life, friendship, love and loss on her journey. A poignantly funny novel that is a tribute to perseverance, wit, wisdom, and the unlikely sources from which they can come .
The reader joins Julie over the course of a year for the rockiest ride of her life. You'll laugh and cry with Julie as she learns volumes about life, friendship, love and loss on her journey. A poignantly funny novel that is a tribute to perseverance, wit, wisdom, and the unlikely sources from which they can come .
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2017
10 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Mia Chediak
1 book11 followersI was born in Havana and now live in NY, work in the wholesale industry, am happily married and the proud mom of two son's. I love to read, enjoy hiking, yoga and cooking. On a rainy Sunday, you'll find me making soup from scratch, with Dylan playing in the background and
a good book in hand. I am currently working on two new novels and look forward to sharing them with you. I would love to hear your feedback or questions and can best be reached at emptysuitors2017@gmail.com
a good book in hand. I am currently working on two new novels and look forward to sharing them with you. I would love to hear your feedback or questions and can best be reached at emptysuitors2017@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 21, 2018
Anyone who has dated as an adult will appreciate the wit, wisdom and romantic mayhem of Mia Chediak's brilliant and hilarious first novel, Empty Suitors. I can't say this book made me particularly proud of my fellow males, but the characters Ms. Chediak describes are highly authentic and easily recognizable. We are rooting for Julie, the protagonist and heroine, from day one. This is a fast-paced, fun and insightful read. I am so glad I discovered it and I look forward to more from this emerging and engaging voice.
December 22, 2018
Empty Suitors is about a middle-aged modern American career woman, Julie, who after 3 decades of marriage, finds herself single again. The dating scene has changed completely from 30 years before, and Julie feels like a fish out of water, not sure where to begin. She tries online dating, speed dating, blind dates, and singles' groups without much success. Throughout the process, she finds there are things about herself that she must change too, to be Mrs. Right. Luckliy, it does have a happy ending. I found the book entertaining, but disagree with the genre listed-- it wasn't really comedy-- it was more like contemporary women's literature with a few humorous parts thrown in. All in all, a good book though.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you.
February 15, 2018
Not being in my normal genre of interest, I was a little leery to take on this book. After a recommendation, I decided to and I am glad I did. A glimpse into the life of a middle aged recent divorcee as she tries to get her bearings in a new world. Footing never seems to take hold for poor Julie as she continues to slide deeper and deeper into a frustrating trend of disappointment. This book is an exercise in how someone deals with what can only be described as the insolence of others, whether it be in her professional life, her new reintroduction to the dating scene, or even a casual encounter on the streets of NY which is a character all to itself in this book. All throughout Julie, while constantly questioning herself, stays true to course and surges on leading her to develop a new view on dating, men in general, friends, city life and maybe even a shake up to what she prioritizes in her life. A great read and a way to poke your head into the world of middle aged divorcee life in the big city.
February 14, 2018
A sophisticated, realistic romantic comedy that commanded my attention from page one. I loved it. Although this isn’t the type of book that I usually read, I took a chance, and am glad I did. Some of the book was laugh out loud funny, some was upsetting, but it all felt real. In fact, so real that I was incredibly upset by the scene with Tony because I, personally, would’ve given the guy a chance. Anyway, that’s what I think now – but I’m older now – and I wonder what I would’ve done in my early 40s. I can only hope … but again, maybe the scene was the author’s illustration for her point that wisdom comes with age. If so, it was incredibly effective, as was so much of the book, which swept me along and gave me no choice but to read it. And, for me, that is the definition of a great book. 5 stars!
March 1, 2018
A Very Well Written Cautionary Tale
I'll stress first that the author has a real talent for character description. I had no trouble visualizing the large number of characters in this book, and all of them were interesting. It's also worth noting that in spite of the title the book is at least as much about the central character's female friends as her romantic - well, let's call them misadventures. Speaking as a man, I have to say I read the book with growing dismay. Are we really, on average, that bad? Then I thought about how many men are either married or in committed relationships, and thought about why those who are not might be available...OK, maybe it really is that bad. I won't give away how it turns out, but will say that the book gave me plenty of food for thought. My favorite line - "I'll one-up Shaw and say that life is wasted on those who concentrate on the negative.". Not only do I agree with the sentiment, as a former teacher I admire the author's optimism in assuming the reader will understand the reference! Highly recommended!
I'll stress first that the author has a real talent for character description. I had no trouble visualizing the large number of characters in this book, and all of them were interesting. It's also worth noting that in spite of the title the book is at least as much about the central character's female friends as her romantic - well, let's call them misadventures. Speaking as a man, I have to say I read the book with growing dismay. Are we really, on average, that bad? Then I thought about how many men are either married or in committed relationships, and thought about why those who are not might be available...OK, maybe it really is that bad. I won't give away how it turns out, but will say that the book gave me plenty of food for thought. My favorite line - "I'll one-up Shaw and say that life is wasted on those who concentrate on the negative.". Not only do I agree with the sentiment, as a former teacher I admire the author's optimism in assuming the reader will understand the reference! Highly recommended!
January 14, 2018
Excellent read!
Witty, fun and easy to read, captivating book, written with humor and a bit of spice! Most importantly, just like a good book is supposed to do, teaches you something about life with a very positive and insightful ending! I truly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it!
Witty, fun and easy to read, captivating book, written with humor and a bit of spice! Most importantly, just like a good book is supposed to do, teaches you something about life with a very positive and insightful ending! I truly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it!
January 14, 2018
Easy reading, funny, and enjoyable. Worth the time - J
June 10, 2018
“Empty Suitors” by Mia Chediak is a book about the year of a life of a forty something year old woman; Jules. We experience the rollercoaster ride of her trying to find romance and her struggles with work. The characters in this book are excellent, and I found myself relating to Jules. I wish the story was a little more gripping though, I found the book moderately paced. That being said, there is a fan base for this type of book and I wish I could have recommended it to some of the older ladies who came into the library I worked at. While Jules struggles with romance in this book, this is not a romance novel by any means. I’m not sure how I feel about that. On the one hand, a steamy romance would make the book more gripping. On the other hand, our lives are not defined by romantic relationships alone, and that is an excellent point the book makes. There is some good humor in this book. At places, I was laughing out loud, yet at other places I found the humor kind of forced. Ultimately though, if you are looking for a light hearted read, I do recommend this novel.
January 28, 2018
People!
The book was a revelation ... I started it based on a suggestion which I took w/ some trepidation.
In very little time the book had drawn me in, because the people are wonderfully well described, and the author’s way of describing thoughts, or situations, or -for that matter, anything- is funny, compassionate, sweet, w/ an understanding for people!
It is a sweet, real, slice of life. A great read.
The book was a revelation ... I started it based on a suggestion which I took w/ some trepidation.
In very little time the book had drawn me in, because the people are wonderfully well described, and the author’s way of describing thoughts, or situations, or -for that matter, anything- is funny, compassionate, sweet, w/ an understanding for people!
It is a sweet, real, slice of life. A great read.
June 8, 2018
The Empty Suitors was full of laugh out loud moments and insightful growing pains through very relate-able dating woes.
The book should start when she meets Ruth, and her first real "prize" of a date Matthew, the other dates and witty commentary could have been interspersed throughout the rest of the book or completely scraped, this is where the story started for me. So, if you're anything like me read chapter one to get a feel for the character Julia, then skip to chapter 4, these are super long chapters, so if I had a choice to redo the story I would do it that way, and I probably would have rated this book a 4-wing-review.
Julia's predicament of being lonely, and desperate for human connection, is a common feeling. Especially in a world where we are more divided than ever, it's an all about me society, and creating a feeling of belonging and attention is more difficult than ever to achieve. Julia's character is easy to connect with and you root for her, but also want to strangle sense into her because of her poor choices in men. When it came down to it the story was less about romance and more about finding yourself, and all the lessons she's learned.
It reads like a diary, or a girlfriend telling you about all her dating woes. This was exactly what you want from your best friend when you tell them you want to live vicariously through their dating life. This book is for you. Not just for females, I believe men can learn a lot about how "not" to treat a woman, no matter the circumstances. Also, lots of life lessons and fun witty commentary for everyone.
Full Review - https://heavensfiction.blogspot.com/2...
The book should start when she meets Ruth, and her first real "prize" of a date Matthew, the other dates and witty commentary could have been interspersed throughout the rest of the book or completely scraped, this is where the story started for me. So, if you're anything like me read chapter one to get a feel for the character Julia, then skip to chapter 4, these are super long chapters, so if I had a choice to redo the story I would do it that way, and I probably would have rated this book a 4-wing-review.
Julia's predicament of being lonely, and desperate for human connection, is a common feeling. Especially in a world where we are more divided than ever, it's an all about me society, and creating a feeling of belonging and attention is more difficult than ever to achieve. Julia's character is easy to connect with and you root for her, but also want to strangle sense into her because of her poor choices in men. When it came down to it the story was less about romance and more about finding yourself, and all the lessons she's learned.
It reads like a diary, or a girlfriend telling you about all her dating woes. This was exactly what you want from your best friend when you tell them you want to live vicariously through their dating life. This book is for you. Not just for females, I believe men can learn a lot about how "not" to treat a woman, no matter the circumstances. Also, lots of life lessons and fun witty commentary for everyone.
Full Review - https://heavensfiction.blogspot.com/2...
February 15, 2018
Entertaining, witty and truthful.
Life doesn't tend to crumble slowly. Without warning, it crashes and burns down fast.
A great lesson in staying true to yourself, your values, and fighting for the love and life you deserve, this books tell a thrilling (and oh so common) story of a woman forced to start over in a city that doesn't care. Through tough post-divorce dates, difficult coworkers, and a crazy urban environment Julie navigates the life she never thought she would possess, but one that suits her best.
Life doesn't tend to crumble slowly. Without warning, it crashes and burns down fast.
A great lesson in staying true to yourself, your values, and fighting for the love and life you deserve, this books tell a thrilling (and oh so common) story of a woman forced to start over in a city that doesn't care. Through tough post-divorce dates, difficult coworkers, and a crazy urban environment Julie navigates the life she never thought she would possess, but one that suits her best.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews