Review: Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter + Giveaway

About the Book: He got the second home and the Porsche. She got the kids and a broken heart. Now Jackie, post-divorce and heading toward the big four-oh, is on vacation in sunny Hawaii and staring down her upcoming birthday-alone. But not for long. She's soon falling for Kai, her gorgeous, much younger surf instructor, and the wild passionate fling they have becomes the biggest surprise of Jackie's life.

Back home in Seattle, Jackie has to struggle with single parenthood...and memories of Kai. He hasn't forgotten her. Yet thousands of miles of ocean-not to mention an age difference that feels even wider-separate them. And, of course, her friends disapprove. When a choice must be made, can she, will she risk everything for her chance at happiness?

My Review: Oh, how I loved this book! I've been wanting to read Jane Porter's books for awhile, so when the opportunity to review this one came up, I jumped at it! I'm so glad I did, because this book was immensely enjoyable. I started reading it while waiting for my plane and didn't put it down until I was finished!

This book is alternately funny and touching, frustrating and heartbreaking. It's a celebration of friendship, of starting over, and truly knowing oneself. It's the kind of book that speaks about real life all the while breathing hope.

I've read some reviewers say they could really relate to Jackie and they think they enjoyed the book for that reason. I've read other reviewers say they couldn't relate to Jackie and that they wished she'd stop whining about her life.

I'm in my twenties and single. That did not diminish my enjoyment of this book at all. While I personally might not have made the same choices as Jackie, this book is more about making the choices that bring you peace, hope, and joy, than about having a fling with a younger man. Sometimes those choices are hard and feel embarrassing, but you only have one life. One of the endorsements on this book says that it's "life affirming" and I can't think of any better way to describe this treat of a book.

And guess what?!? It's going to be a movie on Lifetime!! The movie is on this weekend!! Saturday night at 9 PM (8 central) You don't want to miss it! Robert Buckley is in it!

Giveaway:I have 5 copies to give away of this book courtesy of the wonderful Hachette Book Group. To be eligible, you need a US or Canadian mailing address no PO Boxes. To enter, leave me a comment and tell me the title of the last book you read that made you feel good about life. For an additional entry, blog about this contest linking back to this post. For four additional entries, watch the movie on Lifetime on Saturday and then come back here and comment with your feelings about the movie.

You must leave an email address with your comment. I do not post the winners, since I do way too many giveaways for that. I will email you if you win. Contest closes December 15th at 1 PM PST.

Thanks everyone!