By 
Photo: Laura Boyd
BIO
Jamie Brenner grew up in suburban Philadelphia on a steady diet of Norma Klein, Judy Blume, and Judith Krantz novels (more on that here). After studying literature at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Jamie moved to New York City where she started her career at HarperCollins Publishers, then later Barnes&Noble.com and Vogue.com before returning to books and becoming an author. Her novel The Forever Summer is a national bestseller. Her new book, The Husband Hour, publishes April 24 with Little, Brown. Jamie lives in New York City with her husband and teenage daughters.
A spring books pick by Entertainment Weekly, ABCNews/Good Morning American, Southern Living, Popsugar, Bustle, and more….
“I was captivated by this irresistible tale of families and lovers, the secrets we keep, and the healing we need. THE HUSBAND HOUR is a page-turner with a soul as deep as the ocean.”
When a young widow’s reclusive life in a charming beach town is interrupted by a surprise visitor, she is forced to reckon with dark secrets about her family, her late husband, and the past she tried to leave behind.
Lauren Adelman and her high school sweetheart, Rory Kincaid, are a golden couple. They marry just out of college as Rory, a star hockey player, earns a spot in the NHL. Their future could not look brighter when Rory shocks everyone-Lauren most of all-by enlisting in the U.S. Army. When Rory dies in combat, Lauren is left devastated, alone, and under unbearable public scrutiny.
Seeking peace and solitude, Lauren retreats to her family’s old beach house on the Jersey Shore. But this summer she’s forced to share the house with her overbearing mother and competitive sister. Worse, a stranger making a documentary about Rory tracks her down and persuades her to give him just an hour of her time.
One hour with filmmaker Matt Brio turns into a summer of revelations, surprises, and upheaval. As the days grow shorter and her grief changes shape, Lauren begins to understand the past-and to welcome the future.
“An irresistible must-read about dealing with our pasts, gaining strength from our struggles, and what it really takes to move on.”
“[A] sensitive portrait of love transcending grief.”
“A gifted storyteller, Jamie Brenner’s THE HUSBAND HOUR redefines ‘happily ever after’ and lays bare the complexities of imperfect love, loss and moving forward. THE HUSBAND HOUR is a testament to strong women everywhere whose strength is often borne out of sorrow and struggle. A must read for book clubs and any place women gather.”
“Fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jane Green will adore Jamie Brenner’s THE HUSBAND HOUR, a poignant and powerful tale of one woman’s journey to find peace against the idyllic backdrop of her family’s seaside home. Forgiveness, homecoming, healing, and a second chance at love make for a heady cocktail that will keep readers captivated long after they have turned the final page. ”
“A smart, insightful novel that delivers deep truths about marriage, family, and what it takes to truly move on from a trauma. I absolutely loved it. This is Jamie Brenner’s best book yet, and will be equally comfortable in both your beach bag and at your book club.”
“A tale of the complexities of sisterhood, love, and the secrets we keep—even from ourselves—The Husband Hour will grab you from the first sentence and hold you in its grasp until the last.”
“A powerful story of love and loss set in a dreamy beach town. THE HUSBAND HOUR is the first must-read of the summer!”
“THE HUSBAND HOUR is insightful and inspiring in its depiction of an isolated young widow who can no longer run from her family’s mysterious past. Brenner is an expert at crafting characters who are relatable and authentic. It’s the perfect book club read!”
“With her unique flair for capturing the complexity of family dynamics, Jamie Brenner has written her most compelling and touching novel yet. THE HUSBAND HOUR is a beautiful story of grief, healing, the power of forgiveness, and the enduring love of family.”
“In THE HUSBAND HOUR, Jamie Brenner has crafted a poignant story about the turmoil of secrets and the redeeming power of the truth. Delving into complex issues of family, love and grief, this novel is ideal for book clubs and those who believe our flaws are as significant as our strengths. A captivating read!”
“A timely and important novel about brain injury in professional sports, and at the same it is a moving and deeply felt study of family relationships. Jamie Brenner is a true force in women’s fiction.”
Linda's Book Obsession: 