PRESS & PRAISE FOR RESERVATIONS FOR SIX:
“Pull up a chair and watch the drama unfold as these six friends manage the roller coaster of midlife.”—Library Journal (full review here)
“The witty latest from Palmer follows three couples in western Massachusetts over the course of a year in which their marriages are tested… Palmer divides her attention among the six protagonists as well as Nathan’s new young lover, and in doing so reveals the challenges of marriage as well as the rewards… Palmer has a sure hand with her characters. Overall, this offers a shrewd but affectionate portrayal of marriage in middle age.” —Publishers Weekly (full review here)
“A realistic portrayal of couples facing emotional crises.” —Kirkus Reviews (full review here)
Women’s Health included the novel on its “Best Beach Reads” list.
Women’s World book club picks
Women’s World chose Reservations for Six as a “Book Club Pick”:
The Cape Cod Times includes the novel in a round-up of novels written or set on the Cape.
I was a guest on WCAI’s “The Point” to discuss the novel. My portion of the show begins at 18:20.
PureWOW named it among the book among “The 20 Best Beach Reads of Summer 2022.”
Zibby Owens includes the novel on “Your Definitive Reading Guide for 2022,” for KatieCouric.com.
PureWOW included the novel on its “The Best Beach Read for Every Zodiac Sign” list (it’s recommended for Leos!).
The Provincetown Independent reviewed the novel and interviewed me in an insightful piece titled “Everyone is to Blame, But Blame is Not the Point.”
The Provincetown Independent interview and review of Reservations for Six
The Pennsylvania Gazette recommended the novel, here.
Chick Lit Central reviewed the novel here, noting “I finished Reservations for Six in two days. I felt completely engaged and engrossed within the premise of the book, as well as the situations that the characters find themselves in. It was like watching one of your favorite dramas on television, eagerly anticipating what’s going to happen, hating the fact that you have to wait a full week for an all-new episode. Which is how I felt when I neared the end of the book. I didn’t want it to end!”
I was a guest on Writer’s Bone podcast to talk writing and reading.
Read Receipts newsletter says, “I love books with multiple points of view, so I really enjoyed the nuanced perspective of each character’s struggles, both as individuals and in their relationships. Palmer crafts each storyline with wit, warmth, and depth, so it’s hard not to root for them all.”
I was a guest on Kris Clink’s Writing Table podcast to talk about Reservations for Six.
A Bookish Home podcast interviewed me for an episode, here.
Berit Lohn created this fantastic reel for Reservations for Six!
PRESS & PRAISE FOR OTHERWISE ENGAGED:
“Palmer sustains a heady level of emotional tension throughout her novel of love and ex-lovers… Love, jealousy, and friendship are explored in well-crafted prose… This novel is fun and consistently satisfying.”—Publishers Weekly (full review here)
“Combining relationship woes and female friendship, Palmer creates a humorous take on what happens when a woman is scorned. Secondary characters, including Molly’s best friends and her sister-in-law, are well developed, and their own story lines give the novel even more depth. Molly’s relationship with her Type A mother will have readers laughing, as will her inner monologues as she’s reading Gabe’s novel. An excellent read, best enjoyed with a good glass of wine.”—Booklist (full review here)
"Palmer hits the right tone that is both funny and poignant as she documents Molly’s downturn from together fiancée to crazy ex-girlfriend. Perfect for fans of Emily Giffin and Elin Hilderbrand." —Library Journal (full review here)
I appeared on the “Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books with Zibby Owens” podcast to discuss behind-the-scenes stories of writing Otherwise Engaged, my own proposal story, a sneak preview of my next novel, and more!
Otherwise Engaged included in Woman’s World Book Club!
USA Today’s “Happy Ever After” blog interviewed me here. Read about the inspiration for the novel, what distracts me when I write (so many things!), and more!
Good Housekeeping names Otherwise Engaged as one of two “Good Reads” picks in its January 2019 issue.
"Difficult to put down... Written honestly, very real... A lot of turning of the tables and pivotal moments made Otherwise Engaged an engaging read." —Chick Lit Central (full review here)
Writers Bone had me on their podcast to discuss the novel. They also included Otherwise Engaged on their March “18 Books That Should Be On Your Radar” list.
SheReads included Otherwise Engaged on their list of most anticipated books of 2019!
Bookstr declares Otherwise Engaged its “coffee shop read” in its weekly Three to Read roundup: “Otherwise Engaged explores what happens when everything can’t work out exactly how we planned (no matter how meticulously we planned!)—a universal truth that’s no less hard to endure. One thing’s for certain: as you turn the pages to see who Molly will choose, you’ll be glad you chose this book!”
“Palmer is one of the most exciting and engaging new voices in women’s fiction today. Her latest release, Otherwise Engaged, is a pitch-perfect read about what happens when one woman’s perfectly planned life falls apart right before her eyes. It’s a smart, well-written, and thoughtful exploration into a woman’s mind during an extremely tumultuous time.” —Bookfinds
“A fast paced, witty romance… Laugh out loud, completely enjoyable and well written… the perfect beach read.” —Reading & Eating Blog
“An engaging story… Meaningful with three-dimensional characters… A book with a strong message… I’m delighted I read it.” —Bookbugworld, which also named Otherwise Engaged one of its top 5 picks of 2019
“The premise is totally intriguing: Palmer’s juxtaposition of excerpts of Gabe’s book with Molly’s thoughts and commentary as she’s reading it brings all this intrigue to light. And, boy does this book (understandably) get in her head… Palmer takes all this upheaval in Gabe and Molly’s relationship to levels I’d never considered, but that were certainly interesting to ponder (i.e. in general, how do the family and friends of any author feel when details from their actual lives appear in their family member’s / friend’s book?). Great pick if you’re looking for something light, easy, and happy!” —Sarah’s Book Shelves
Sue’s Booking Agency had me drop by for a community Q&A to discuss Otherwise Engaged and my life as a writer.
“This women’s fiction book hit the spot. 5 stars.” —What To Read Next Blog
I was interviewed for the video series Writing Fun.
“This is the smartest romantic comedy I’ve read—and it’s also compulsively readable. Molly is my new favorite heroine and I rooted for her with every page as she searched for the right life (and partner). Plus I’ve got major crushes on both the men vying for her affection. And there’s a novel within the novel that had me laughing out loud! Whip-smart social commentary, page-turning pacing, and characters who feel like friends, Otherwise Engaged is the book you’ll beg your friends to read. Like I’m doing right now.” —Julia Fierro, author of The Gypsy Moth Summer and Cutting Teeth
“In her fun, zippy new novel, Palmer riffs on fact versus fiction, the strange allure of certain exes, and—compassionately and humorously—the mixed feelings a young woman today may have about marriage.” —Ada Calhoun, author of Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give
“A winning novel about the powerful sway of an ex, reminding us, as Faulkner wrote, ‘The past is never dead. It’s not even past.’ Poignant and funny, with an endearing heroine who thinks of herself as steady and predictable but who is really a mash of churning emotions about almost everyone and everything in her life. Pride and Prejudice makes a brief appearance but the truer source is Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. Palmer’s Molly Stone is a 21st century Marianne.” —Susan Rieger, author of The Heirs and The Divorce Papers
I was a guest on Sarah’s Bookshelves Podcast, chatting about my writing process and the story behind Otherwise Engaged, and sharing my recommendations for books old and new (and I was also featured in her 2019 Summer Reads guide):
I joined the BLOOM Facebook community of readers for an author happy hour Q&A, on Thursday, March 7, to talk all things reading and writing.
“Love, jealousy, friendship and family are all at the core of this witty novel. It is a quick read, well-crafted and entertaining, yet contains poignancy and depth.” —Minocqua, Wisconsin’s The Lakeland Times
The Facebook book club #spiveys📚club chose Otherwise Engaged as its book of the month, and I joined them for an author Q&A.
PRESS & PRAISE FOR IF WE LIVED HERE:
The Brooklyn Paper visited me at home to discuss If We Lived Here and the launch event at Greenlight Bookstore in this article.
"If We Lived Here is a brisk and insightful look at the complications of cohabitation." --Harper's Bazaar, in "#thelist: 12 books to love this spring."
Metro names If We Lived Here its weekend reading pick here.
I wrote “9 Struggles Every Couple Searching for a Place Together Can Relate To” for Women’s Health.
"IF WE LIVED HERE, cleverly explores the highs and lows (mostly lows) of apartment hunting in New York City." --The Huffington Post's interview with me about New York City as character.
Listed among FIRST for Women's "The 6 paperbacks we're reading now"
In "New York Authors to explore 'The City' as a character in storytelling," Literary Manhattan calls If We Lived Here "a prototypical New York tale in its whirlwind of tiny problems culminating in one big catastrophe."
"[If We Lived Here] had all the warmth of a cozy blanket in front of the fire. Delightful!" says Chick Lit Central. Read the full review here.
In an interview with me about If We Lived Here, Writer's Bone says, "Anyone who has been through a quarter-life crisis, stepped inside of an Ikea, or has Netflixed episodes of HGTV’s "House Hunters" will certainly find the characters’ experiences relatable and entertaining."
"That’s what If We Lived Here is about. Changing times. Adapting. Figuring things out along the way. Making it work. Living life." --an intro to my post on capturing age 30 in fiction for Women's Fiction Writers.
"A witty and relatable read." --Liz and Lisa's Book Club's Best Books of the Month column.
"Feature: North graduate, two-time author provides insight on career choice, high school experience" --The Newtonite's profile on me and If We Lived Here.
"If We Lived Here is the sweet, surprising story of a couple forced to weather all sorts of storms as they try to build a life together. The trials faced by Emma and Nick will be relatable to anyone who has ever taken a chance on love—with all its complications." —Sarah Pekkanen, best-selling author of Catching Air
"If We Lived Here is a vivid depiction of both the claustrophobia and the potential of love and real estate. It's a heartfelt exploration of what makes a home, and a funny, engaging chronicle of the growing pains of adult life." —Jen Doll, author of Save the Date
PRESS & PRAISE FOR PRETTY IN INK:
“Filled with juicy gossip and outrageous office politics…a dishy, catty book, that's... an indulgent roll in the mud. Palmer writes this side of womanhood brilliantly.” – Publishers Weekly. Read the full review here.
“A lighthearted gambol through the ever-changing world of women’s magazine publishing, former magazine editor Palmer’s debut contains the authenticity of experience and the salacious story snippets fans of The Devil Wears Prada (2003) will appreciate… With different chapters devoted to different POVs, the politics of the magazine industry find full display in this deliciously delectable read.” —Booklist
Star Magazine puts PRETTY IN INK on its Hot Sheet!
"Each chapter is written from the viewpoint of a different character on staff, turning the world of women's magazines into the real main character of the book." —Women's Health, which has generously chosen Pretty in Ink as this month's "60-Second Book Club" pick.
"[Pretty in Ink] is a 360 degree view of what it’s really like to work at a glossy," says Metro in this article.
"This scrumptious, campy look at the world of magazine publishing will keep you hooked until its delightfully satisfying conclusion. It's as light and fun as cotton candy and just as sweet; you will savor every bite until it's gone," says Shelf Awareness in this starred review
"Joining the growing corpus of odes to and satires of the magazine world, Lindsey Palmer’s debut novel, Pretty in Ink, details the inner workings of Hers magazine, a fictionalized composite of the author’s memories from her time at Redbook, Glamour, and Self." —Harper's Bazaar. Check out the rest of the article, in which I fact-check the magazine industry, here.
"Pretty in Ink is... about navigating the pitfalls of life while staying optimistic about the future. This is the perfect book to take to the beach and Palmer is definitely an author to watch." —an interview with Huffington Post Books
Bustle.com includes Pretty in Ink in its roundup of “9 Books About Working in Magazines that Aren’t The Devil Wears Prada.”
Read The Brooklyn Paper's article, "Not all Glamour: Former women's magazine editor pens dishy novel," and see a photo of me sitting on my front stoop!
"Laugh-out-loud funny and smart," says First for Women magazine of PRETTY IN INK.
"Quite captivating… If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the gleaming smiles and glossy covers of newsstand magazines, you won't want to miss this novel!" —Chick Lit Central. Read the full review here. Chick Lit Central also names Pretty in Ink one of its favorite books of 2014!
Women's Fiction Writers interviews me about my favorite and most difficult scenes to write, plus my feelings about the term "women's fiction."
In this interview with Novelicious, I gush about favorite novelists Mona Simpson, Maria Semple, Emma Straub, and Jessica Anya Blau, plus thesaurus.com.
In this interview with Book Dumpling, I share my favorite places to read books and buy books and get book recommendations, and why we won't be reading Pretty in Ink in my English classes:
The Writer's Bone interviews me about writing, reading, and teaching here.
"This book has... drama, romance, and such strong character development. It was so easy to connect to many of these characters because of the intimate first person point of view that was being used. I would love to see this book become a movie. I was reminded of The Devil Wears Prada, except this was so much better!" —Dwell in Possibility Books' "5 cupcake" review
"This delightful read offers something rare: a debut novel with an authoritative sense of fun that offers substance and delivers an emotional punch." —Book Dumpling. Read the full review here.
PureWow names Pretty in Ink as one of its 30 Summer Essentials!
"Palmer writes this workplace drama with a light touch and humorous perspective." —a strong review from blog Just Too Many Books.
The Park Slope Reader wrote a profile of me about publishing, teaching, and Brooklyn called "From Masthead to Head of the Class.
The Bookbinder Blog calls Pretty in Ink a "perfectly crafted and so vividly depicted debut" in this sweet review.
My college alumni magazine, The Pennsylvania Gazette, covers Pretty in Ink.
"Pretty in Ink is a lively romp through the halls of a spot-on believable contemporary women's magazine. Lindsey Palmer's hilarious observations are grounded by an inside-baseball understanding of this antic universe. The novel offers sharp commentary on the importance of balancing work and real life. Bottom line: it ain't easy." —Sally Koslow, former editor-in-chief of McCall's Magazine, and author of The Widow Walk and The Late Lamented Molly Marx
"Pretty in Ink is an essential novel--a glimpse at the magazine industry in the failing economy. Palmer writes a page-turner with clean, clear prose and fresh characters--a debut so engaging, so sensitive, and so much fun, I wanted to hang out with the women of Hers Magazine long after I'd turned the last page." —Diana Spechler, author of Skinny and Who by Fire
"Lindsey Palmer uses her real-life experience to create a tantalizing behind-the-scenes look at the humor and horror of modern-day magazine publishing. Pretty in Ink is part comic love letter and part bloody valentine."—Devan Sipher, New York Times "Vows" columnist and author of The Wedding Beat
"This entertaining debut exposes the catty, crazy and competitive inner workings of women's magazines. A former editor herself, Palmer explores this rarefied workplace and the women struggling to rise to the top—or just hold onto their jobs. A fun, fantastic read." —Jennifer Miller, author of The Year of the Gadfly