March 14, 2022
Dumond uses the inner and interpersonal conflicts of her heroine to meaningfully prod queer rights issues in her funny and moving debut rom-com, set in 2013 Tulsa, Okla. Amy Fariner loves her job at Daily Bread Bakery, where she meets new-to-town Charley, who takes Amy up on her offer to show her the city. When Amy’s homophobic boss, Donna Young, discovers that Amy is a lesbian, Donna fires her, but Amy rebounds quickly, starting a successful career as a professional bridesmaid. Dumond mines the ensuing weddings for wacky humor, but while Amy loves the problem-solving and matrimonial magic inherent to her new business, she becomes uncomfortable supporting an institution still closed to her and other same-sex couples. As she and Charley grow closer via a series of swoonworthy dates, Amy works to find a way to live authentically within a conservative climate. Amy is a classic rom-com heroine, sweet and kind enough to root for, but with a flair for dramatics. Charley goes comparatively underdeveloped and their relationship takes a narrative backseat to Amy’s personal growth. Still, the seamless blend of serious issues, humor, and love make this worthwhile. Agent: Jamie Carr, Book Group.
September 1, 2022
Dumond makes her debut with a queer romance set in Oklahoma in the early 2010s before same-sex marriage was legal. A queer, but not openly out, baker and bartender, Amy has always focused on the needs of others and not her own. After successfully subbing as a bridesmaid and getting paid for it, Amy decides to make the bridesmaid gig into a business when she's fired from her bakery job as soon as her boss finds out she's queer. Then one day, she meets Charley, an attractive professional woman and new resident of Tulsa, and Amy has to decide what it means to be true to herself. Amy eventually finds herself by embracing who she is in all aspects of her life and in the process finds love. This fun, romantic read is brought to life by narrator Kimberly M. Wetherell. VERDICT A testament to living one's authentic life, creating a chosen family, and finding happiness, this title would be a wonderful addition to any collection looking to add LGBTQIA+ romance.--Elyssa Everling
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