Julie Buxbaum might just have the best book covers evuh! The cover for her novel, After You, (out in paperback now) tells a story all its own. If we saw it in the bookstore, we’d pick it up instantly and flip it over to read the back, wanting to know more. (which is what you should do next time you’re in Target. It was just picked as a Target Breakout Book!)
And that’s exactly what Lisa did when she noticed Julie’s first book, The Opposite of Love in Barnes and Noble. And she’s so happy she did!
For us, the cover is half the battle. And with both books, Buxbaum doesn’t disappoint. Her novels grab you from the moment you see them sitting on the shelf at your favorite book store to the moment you turn the last page, sorry to see the story end.
After you is the gripping story eight-year-old Sophie who witnesses her mother Lucy’s death. Lucy’s best friend, Ellie, immediately travels across the Atlantic ocean to help Sophie who’s stopped speaking and whose father has retreated to drinking to deal with his own grief. To help Sophie, Ellie turns to the book, The Secret Garden. And as she begins to discover things about her best friend’s life, she also must face things about her own- things her best friend didn’t even know. Anyone who’s had a past full of regret, a best friend or a lost love will relate to this book. And if you’d like to win one of five copies, leave a comment here!
We’re thrilled to be learning more about this talented author. Just like so many of our other fave’s, she’s got a great sense of humor. And, apparently, so does her husband (wait ’til you find out how he proposed!). So….drum roll please… here’s 5 Things we didn’t know about…Julie Buxbaum.
1. I have the handwriting of a six year old. Somehow, I have gotten through high school, college and law school, and yet I’ve never learned how to hold a pen properly. That should really be on the SAT.
2. I know this is blasphemous, but I hate to shop. Despise it. Not only because my body is incredibly disproportionate—my top half and bottom half are more than a little mismatched, which definitely makes the shopping thing harder—but mostly because I hate to make any decisions. In fact, would prefer to never have to make any decisions at all. About anything. Even what topping to put on my pizza. Or whether I want pizza at all. Maybe I want chicken. Or tacos. See, hate decisions. Hate them. And thus, shopping too.
3. I am that person who shows up at the airport, only to find out their flight is tomorrow, or yesterday, or ten minutes ago. Shortly thereafter, I am that person who cries at the check-in counter.
4. I’ve read THE SECRET GARDEN at least one hundred times. Which is why it plays such a huge role in AFTER YOU. I think it is as close to a perfect book as you can get.
5. After meeting my husband for the first time, I turned to my best friend and said, “You never know who you’re going to meet that’s going to change your life.” Little did I know, though, that seven years later, after kidnapping me and whisking me off to Tahiti, he would propose. But that’s not the interesting part. Upon taking me to the most romantic spot on the planet, how did my future husband pop the question? Did he get down on one knee and declare his abiding love in a move that would be befitting the setting? Nope. He thought it was a much better idea to moon me. Yup, my husband proposed via lipstick on his butt. Of course I said yes.
To learn more about Julie, follow her on Twitter and Facebook. You should also check out her sassy new blog, Julie has writer’s blog.
xoxo
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I love the proposal story. Hilarious! I agree with what she said to her friend after meeting her husband for the first time. So true!
I’d love to win this book. I’ve heard so many great things about it!
Such a great proposal story…lol!
After You sounds like a must read…
:c) This looks really good!
Wow..this book sounds remarkable! I also love “The Secret Graden” and this book hits a little close to home..I lost my mother when I was 7 due to a brain aneurysm.
This book sounds so wonderful! If I don’t win a copy I will definitely be checking it out at Target (one of the few places I like to shop!). I love the proposal story…so hilarious! When my husband proposed he took me on a beautiful riverboat dinner cruise and proceeded to tell me he just didn’t have the money to buy me a ring so didn’t want to propose yet. I then proceeded to get really drunk since I thought, hell, why not? Come to find out he had reserved a room at the bed and breakfast by the boats and had the room decked out in rose pedals and candles. I blubbered like a baby from excited and, well, alcohol, and sadly don’t remember clearly the rest of the night. Not as funny as Julie’s story but definitely not traditional!
LOL at the lipstick proposal!!! Never read anything by this author, but definitely looking forward to it. I’d love to win this book…..especially since the cover grabbed me right in!!!
Fantastic proposal story. I love her books!
Oh my gosh, I love her! She is so right about The Secret Garden…I read it every couple of years just to revisit that magic. Add JB to my TBR list!! Thanks, girls :)
Hilarious! Love Julie as much as her books. xo
Melissa- love that proposal story!
Miriasha- you will LOVE it!
Crystal- I love the Secret Garden too.. had it as a kid. Makes me want to read it again.
So sorry for your loss. xo
Colleen- LOVE TARGET. LOVE this book! Target +books = happiness.
PS: Love your proposal story!
Chrystal- the lipstick proposal will go down in the books forever. One of the best I’ve heard.
Jen P- One of the best proposal stories ever!
Heidi- I need to re-read the Secret Garden. It’s been years.
Sarah- we love her too!
I can so relate to the decision making process ! Adding Julie Buxbaum to my reading list.
Sounds like a GREAT book ! Love the story line.
Haven’t heard about Julie Buxbaum before but definately love what her reading sounds like. It would be wonderful to start by winning a copy of her newest…will be looking for The Opposite of Love for a complete set.
We all must face things about our own life, sometimes we aren’t able to do this until we are much older but I’m definately interested in how this story will unfold. I’m confident that it will be a best seller!
I absolutely loved AFTER YOU. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
Can’t wait for the next one!
My husband proposed with the dog between us, obsessively sniffing the ring and wondering what was going on. She always thought I was the maid.
OMG _ I love how her hubby proposed!!!! Unique and funny and perfect!!! I can just see her every time she tells the proposal story – always with a grin on her face! AND I LOVE THE SECRET GARDEN!!!! Looking forward to reading this book!!!! HOPE I WIN!!!! XOXOOXOXOX
Bethxoxo
I agree. A good cover = pick up and read; a bad one? Walk on by. This one looks lovely. Can’t wait to read it. Julie’s writing is a pleasure!
You are right. This cover does capture me. Sounds like a wonderful story.
How could a girl turn down a proposal like that? Great story!
I love that I now know these things about you.
I, too, hate shopping. Had I known this about you when you lived in L.A., perhaps we could have gotten together and done something social that did not involve shopping.
Love, love, love this blog.
God bless.
Sounds like a great book! Even have it on my Amazon Wishlist so regardless if I win, I’m reading the book!!
Sound like another amazing book.I have always seen her books at the store but now i will definatley be checking them out :)
Would <3 to win a copy!
Lipstick on Indy’s Butt!?!?!?!? What’d it say? KISS MY A$$!?!?!?!? OMG!!! And I did know about your love for Secret Garden!! And your handwriting is NOT that bad – I have a handwritten note from you that I keep in my copy of The Opposite of Love you sent me!
Great list Liz & Lisa! I love finding out new things about my favorite authors!xo
Love, Love, Love the “Moon” proposal – obviously Julie’s husband has a great sense of humor and how could you not say yes to that?
I also have to comment that I noticed Julie’s last name – Mine is Buksbaum with a “K” instead of an “X”. It’s not a very common last name – I wonder if Julie has the same struggles with it as I do – whenever I tell people my last name I get a quizical -huh? and then followed by can you please spell that.
This books looks really good and the cover IS very appealing!
Thanks everyone! I very much hope you enjoy the book. And yes, loved the proposal too! My husband definitely honored my desire to have a good story. (Must be the writer in me.) And to answer your question, Sharyn, yes, I do get lots of quizzical looks with my last name. I now just start with B for Boy, U for Umbrella, till it’s all spelled out. Even then, they get the A and U out of order every time.
Thanks again everyone for your interest in AFTER YOU!
LOVED “The Opposite of Love” and can’t wait to read this….I get really attached to your characters. Am looking forward to MANY more books from you! Thanks for all you do!
P.S. The proposal story is hilarious! I hope he knows you’re telling all of us! LOL
Jean, Awesome! Thanks for the comment!
Mary, Thanks for your comment!
Rhonda, we are too! Thanks for the comment! xo
Stephanie, that’s hilarious! love it!
Beth, Good luck!!! xoxo
Melissa, I agree! xo
Runner10, I know, right? Love it!
Katy, I agree! How could anyone say no?
Tamara, Thanks so much-we’re s glad you found us! xoxo
Chasity, Good luck! =)
Lauri, I know, I can’t wait to read it!
Kat, Good luck! xo
Thanks Stephanie E, We love that you love it! xo
Sharyn, that’s funny! Thanks for the comment! xo
Julie, Thanks SO much for stopping by. We loved your 5 things-thanks so much for sharing them! xoxo L&L
I LOVE The Secret Garden … the first book I remember owning (and reading & re-reading). So excited to get to reading After You! And that proposal … wow! What a great story, and a true testament to the love Julie & her ultra-creative hubby share! : )
Jules, Totally! Thanks for the comment! xo
I’ve done my share of crying at airline counters too. You think I would learn one day. Trouble is, children (& university) ruin your brain. I’m lucky if I remember my passport these days let alone confirm flights.
Theresa, Amen sista. I haven’t been able to remember a damn thing since I had my kids! xo
Love #1! I print everything. At some point in high school I gave up on cursive. Writing like a 1st grade teacher is so much better to me.
Raquel- thanks so much for the comment!
Sounds like a tear jerker…but a good one! :)
I felt same way about shopping stuff. I love love target. That where I always check all cute novels out there! Love this cover. So cute! Count me in for great giveaway! :)
You mean that I grew up thinking I was the only girl in the world who hated shopping? I break out into hives just by walking into the mall. And, as if to put icing on the cake, I learn that she’s a fellow decision-hater, too? Thank you for introducing me to her, Liz and Lisa! Now, I hope to learn even more about Julie Buxbaum in her newest book. I hope I win a copy!
adore her!!! but wow my engagement story is kinda boring now :-}
“After You” sounds like a great book…I love “The Secret Garden”. :-)
What a great proposal story! I’ll definitely have to check out After You, especially after I keep seeing recommendations on Twitter every day. And it looks like now that its a Target special, it’ll be easy to pick up. Just need to drag myself there, which for whatever reason, I’ve been avoiding as of late. By the way, Julie, I absolutely love your blog title.
Jill, I know, right?
Christy- You are entered! =)
Erin, I know. I feel the same way!
Hi Stacey!!!! =) I agree, can’t wait to dive into this one. xoxo
Cat, I get the avoiding Target thing-I’ll pop in there for a card and spend $100 so I try to avoid it! xo
Kirsten, You’re welcome! Glad we found your wonderful comment! xo
Fun post! I hope I win!!
Brenda, Good Luck! xo
My boyfriend has declared that he wants to marry me and is trying to come up with a brilliant way of proposing – #5 now scares me!!! I could see him doing something like that! Can’t wait to read this one!
Kourtney, congratulations!!! Fingers crossed that you end up with a proposal story that you WANT to tell! Thanks for commenting!
CONGRATS TO Melissa R, Stacey, Kourtney, Christine and Shayrn! They’ve each won a copy of AFTER YOU! THANKS to all who commented! xoxo
Would love to win one a copy of this book! Looks interesting and will have to look into the other book mentioned by this author! Thanks!
The book sounds brilliant, I would love to win it :) xxx
gosh i didnt win this book i wanted to have a copy of this book and this book is not yet available here in manila can’t find a copy yet. great proposal story, my husband proposed to me while i was sleeping, he visited me, went to my room and all that i could remember telling him that if he wouldnt marry me then forget me altogether that was my response to him. ;)
Love reading all the 5 things we didn’t know sections…but pmsl at the proposal. I think I would have been laughing so much that he’d gone to soo much effort and then mooned you ;-)
Loved The Opposite of Love so can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of After You.
Do the great books ever end? I’m not worried about finding great books to read, I’m worried about running out of time to read them. Ever since I discovered your blog, I’ve had a backlog of books to read (I’m not complaining ( – : ). I take a book wherever I go, just in case I have some downtime, like waiting at the doctor’s office. I loved the book “The Secret Garden”, which I read when I was younger. Now I’m really intrigued about “After You.” Thanks once again!
Karen- join the club! We can hardly keep up. So many books. So little time… ahhh. Guess it’s a good problem to have :)
i am always up for a great read…julie’s book sounds great! hope i win a copy
This book sounds great and I would totally have picked it up at Target to read the back :)
I love how her husband proposed – I think that’s hilarious! And your description of her book makes me want to read it – sounds great!