Elinor Lipman

This is a collection of short stories set in New York City. As the title implies, the focus is on love … falling in love, attraction, heartbreak, excitement, intimacy, falling out of love.

Lipman peoples her work with a variety of urbanites. They are newly married, newly divorced, eager to meet “the one,” swearing off romance after a breakup. Some are focused on careers but find love in friendship. Some actively seek a partner. Some don’t want a long-term relationship, but a quick hook-up. All of them are interesting and, mostly, people I’d want to know. One couple, Tim and Hannah, meet in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles, and their romance unfolds over several stories in the book.

This was Lipman’s debut work. I’ve become a fan of hers in the last few years and decided to go back and read some of her earlier works. She writes with wit and tenderness and eyes wide open to her characters’ flaws and gifts.… (mere)

Digital audiobook performed by Piper Goodeve

An attorney is spotted by a nosy neighbor with binoculars engaging in consensual sex on her rooftop patio. The outraged busybody calls police and Jane Morgan is convicted of indecent behavior and sentenced to six months of house confinement. With no job and stuck at home, life looks bleak. But then her doorman lets slip that there is another resident of her building who is also wearing an ankle monitor. And so Jane meets Perry Salisbury, whose white-collar crime doesn’t completely put him out of the picture.

This is a delightful modern-day rom-com with an interesting plot twist, or three. I just love Lipman’s sense of humor!

Jane’s twin sister provides moral (and financial) support. Her relationship with Perry moves along nicely. But wait … why are police knocking on Jane’s door once again? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

The audiobook is performed by Piper Goodeve, who does a fine job. She sets a good pace, and I was engaged and entertained from beginning to end.… (mere)