Me for You

By: Lolly Winston

Narrated by: George Newbern, Cassandra Campbell

From the New York Times bestselling author of Good Grief comes a “winsome story with charm to burn about second acts and second chances” (Jennifer Weiner, New York Times bestselling author) that asks: How soon is too soon to fall in love again?

The last thing Rudy expected was to wake up one Saturday morning, a widower at fifty-four-years-old. Now, ten months after the untimely death of his beloved wife, he’s still not sure how to move on from the tragedy—but his new job is helping.

After being downsized, Rudy turned to his first love: the piano. Some people might be embarrassed to work as the piano player at Nordstrom, but for Rudy, there’s joy in bringing a little music into the world. And it doesn’t hurt that Sasha, the Hungarian watch clerk who is finally divorcing her no-good husband, finds time to join him at the bench every now and then.

Just when Rudy and Sasha’s relationship begins to deepen, the police come to the store with a shocking update about Rudy’s wife’s premature death, and now they believe his actions are suspicious enough to warrant a second look. With Sasha’s husband suddenly reappearing, and Rudy’s daughter confronting her own marital problems, life suddenly becomes more complicated than Rudy or Sasha could have ever imagined.

Perfect for fans of Jennifer Weiner and Fredrik Backman, Me for You is an “exquisitely wrought window into an oft-ignored subject, mid-life love, and a reminder that grief and joy can live side by side.” (Michelle Richmond, New York Times bestselling author). Exploring the tender humor of two people being newly single again, Lolly Winston’s latest is a funny, wry, and heartfelt examination of finding love when it’s least expected.

Critic reviews

“I loved this novel, an immensely readable, emotionally honest examination of the aftermath of grief and loss. Lolly Winston masterfully weaves humor with pathos in this story of second chances, all-too-human foibles, unlikely love, and an uplifting message of hope.” (Susan Wiggs)

"Okay, I'm a sucker for a love story. Add gut-busting humor, an unflinching examination of grief, and characters who walk straight into your heart and I'm wowed. Thank you, Lolly Winston."

(Ellen Sussman)

"The story uses quiet prose and unexpected moments of gentle humor to illustrate the importance of human connection during trying times… [A] poignant story about loss, unexpected connections, and the circuitous path toward healing.”

Enjoyable Listen

I must admit, I only ordered this book because it was written by a Bay Area writer (someone I knew nothing about), and it was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle. Within the first few minutes I was absorbed into the story about a downsized tech employee who plays the piano at Nordstrom to make ends meet. The story that unfolds is full of love, struggle, and endearing characters as they work to rebuild their lives. Your life will not be improved by the story, but your week will.

Joy rises from sadness

Lolly Winston has a special way of telling about the complex emotions of loss and turning the grief process into recovery and joy with humor and inspiration.

Not Her Best

I absolutely loved Good Grief and Happiness Sold Separately, so I had high hopes for this new book. I don't like giving bad reviews and I truly hate to say this but this book was kind of boring. It had some touching moments, but the story line was too flat and just not that complex or interesting. Hoping the next one is better!

Just Didnt Do It For Me..

I loved the beginning of the story. It was easy to follow along and seemed to be relatable for people going through the loss of a spouse. But after the first few chapters the book felt very choppy and like many different stories smooshed into one book. It was all over the place and seemed to have so many things introduced throughout the story. Maybe the author jumped around and introduced so many things for a reason? Maybe that is how she wanted to present how Rudy dealt with the loss of his wife? I am not really sure if that was the intention, but that’s how I took it. I wasn't really captivated by any of the characters. I usually cling to at least one character in all of the books that I read, but with this one really no one did it for me. I really tried to connect with someone in the book, but they just didn't keep my interest.

This was my first time reading something by Lolly Winston. I heard nothing but good things about her and with the description of the book, I thought this might be something I would really enjoy. I think the main thing is that this book was just not for me. I enjoyed some parts of it but with the constant jumping around and overall flow of the book isn't something that I am in to. One good thing I loved about this book was that it talked about mental health. It showed you what it was like for Rudy to lose his wife and the way he grieved her loss. Winston didn't shame mental health or push the part out of the story, she fully embraced it and showed you that it's okay to be sad or mad and seek and accept help when you need it.

I am giving this read ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.

I received an advanced copy of this book (eBook) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Lolly Winston, and Gallery Books for the opportunity to review.

Nothing humorous

This is a sad book about a man who's wife has just died and a woman who's 8 year old daughter died. They keep each other company. Nothing like Backman!! I haven't even smiled.