Minus Me is a story about a couple who, since high school, (sweethearts back then, and now, years later, happily married), love each other dearly. They run a sandwich shop in Passamaquody Maine, that keeps them happy and busy. Although they tried to have children, Annie has had several miscarriages, and most recently a still birth. They seem to have put that sadness "behind " them (as much as you can). then Annie's doctor detects shadows in her lung X-Ray. Annie can't bare to tell Sam. He relies on her ... how will he ever mange without her, she wonders. Annie needs help, and she gets it from someone who has mostly been a disappointment in her life ....

With themes surrounding , love, family, marriage and motherhood, Mameve Medwed's Minus Me explores issues all families face (that are difficult to talk about and to deal with). This is definitely an enjoyable read with some helpful lessons to heed ....

Thank you #netgalley and @alcovepress for the e-ARC of #minusme. #5stars

Thank to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

I liked both of the main characters while my heart broke when she got the news, the book just didn't grab me.. Annie is afraid to tell her husband because she doesn't think he can handle the news but she tells her mother, whom she doesn't have the best relationship with. There is a little bit of all of the emotions in this book, love, laugher, and fear.

What a heart wrenching story! Full of love and grief, this is a warm and thought provoking story. I was slightly frustrated with her at times, but that made it realistic. It was a quick read that I did enjoy and it kept me engaged throughout. It is a sad story though, so not great if you are already feeling down and pessimistic about life like our current world situation causes lots of us to feel like!

I started reading this expecting a sad and depressing read. Not at all!!! Annie and Sam are such a sweet and charming couple, even after all they’ve been through they’re still deeply in love. When Annie gets a shocking diagnosis, she worries about how Sam will carry on without her. She starts a manual of everyday things for Sam for after she’s gone. But a shocking twist changes everything and Annie starts to wonder if she’s misjudged her husband.
I loved this book and all of the characters. The end was as sweet as I’d expect it to be.

Minus Me
By Mameve Medwed
November 15, 2020

From the reviews I’d read, I was skeptical of this book. But, I’m glad I gave it a chance, and I thank Alcove Press and Net Galley for the advance reader copy.

Who HASN"T enabled a family member at some point? Like Annie, we may discover “we want them to need us, but we actually need them.”

When she learns her cancer diagnosis, Annie writes a manual to leave behind for her beloved husband, Sam. Since she’s taken care of him over the years, she assumes Sam won’t function on his own. Although he’s perfectly capable of running their sandwich shop in small-town Maine, she fears he won’t know how to defrost a chicken or sort the laundry or maintain a social life when she’s gone.

I enjoyed this light, escapist, happy—yes, happy—read. Of course, I didn’t agree with some of the characters’ choices or how they handled their issues, but I don’t want books to mirror real life. Sometimes, I want a departure from what we “should” do or say.

DNF. I know this book is getting a lot of love in the publishing world. But I just couldn't get into it. However, I'm willing to try again later and hopefully see what all the buzz is about.

This is just the sweetest and satisfying book for anyone who needs a life distraction or a pick-me-up. The characters are all relatable and mostly lovable and the setting is a lot of fun. This book starts out with news that should be depressing, but as the main character tackles it, we get to know her life and what is really important to her. The writing is solid and smooth. I recommend this to anyone who needs an escape from their own life.

I received an advance copy of, Minus Me, by Mameve Medwed. This is an interesting and sad story. Annie has cancer, a hapless husband Sam, ans Ursula her not so nice mother. This book is alot different then other cancer books I read, she does not want to tell people, she figures she will die, and decides to write an instruction book on how to adult for her husband.

A poignant tale of love and loss, reconciliation, and appreciating what is truly important in life. This is one of those unique stories that is such a joy to read and would make an excellent choice for book club fans – particularly those who enjoy Women’s Fiction. It’s chock full of meaningful, heart-tugging scenes that really make you think – think about how well you really know the hearts and minds of those you love – and about what it really means to forge ahead and not give up.

Annie and Sam operate Annie’s Samwich, a favorite local eatery in a small town in Maine. When Annie receives an unpleasant diagnosis from her local town doctor, she opts not to tell Sam, her husband and childhood sweetheart. Not wanting to mar the time they have left together with burdensome worry and unpleasant medical treatments, but worried about how her Sam will get on in life without her when’s she’s done, Annie sits down and starts writing him a manual called Minus Me: A User’s Guide. But then Annie’s estranged mother Ursula comes to town unexpectedly and suddenly both Annie’s and Sam’s lives are turned upside down.

What was really sweet about this novel is how much Annie and Sam love each other, and how even after a lifetime together, they still had things to learn about one another. If I had one complaint, and it’s a small one, is that the vibe I got off Annie and Sam was more that of folks in their 60’s, rather than their late 30’s, but they are traditional, down home, small town folks, so perhaps they do seem a little quaint. The ending is quite heart warming so when you put it down after that final page, it’s with a smile and sense of contentment. A congratulatory, “I really liked it”, four-star rating, Ms. Medwed – it was a pleasure spending time with your Annie and Sam.

Minus Me is available January 12, 2021 in paperback from Alcove Press, a relatively new imprint of Crooked Lane Books that launched its first offerings in Oct 2020. According to Alcove Press’s website, www.AlcovePress.com, Alcove is dedicated to publishing upmarket book club fiction that explores family, friendship, and community.

As found at mamevemedwed.com, Medwed is the author of six novels, one of which, How Elizabeth Barrett Browning Saved My Life won the 2007 Massachusetts Book Award Honors in Fiction. Born in Bangor, Maine, where she is considered Bangor’s other writer (Stephen King holds the title!), she resides in Cambridge, Mass.

A big thank you to Mameve Medwed, Alcove Press, and NetGalley for providing a complimentary Advance Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.

#MinusMe
#MameveMedwed
#AlcovePress
#CrookedLaneBooks
#NetGalley

When Annie Stevens-Straus receives grim news from the town's physician, she sets out to create a manual instructing her husband, Sam, on how to live on after she's gone. Sam, her seemingly incompetent but incredibly sweet husband who has been nothing but loving and supportive through years of highs and lows, of celebrations and heartbreaks. Against the suggestion of her physician, Annie keeps her news from Sam, choosing instead to carry the burden on her own shoulders. And things takes a turn when Annie's famous mother, Ursula, takes a step back into her life and whisks her away from the simple Maine town to the bustling New York City on a mission. Can Annie handle this all on her own, or will she realize that sometimes, it's ok to let someone else lend a helping hand?

I really enjoyed seeing Annie's internal struggle throughout this book. First, she is conflicted on whether she should tell Sam the news she receives at the doctor. Well, him deflecting the conversation makes Annie's choice a little clearer, but you can see it pains her to know Sam doesn't know the truth. Then, she is torn between wanting to hold Sam close, to enjoy the time she has left with him, or push him away, which will make it easier for both of them when she's gone. I found Annie's humor in the manual interesting, as she's obviously trying to come up with everything Sam will need to know, and trying to make it lighthearted even though she's fighting through tears writing it. And even though Megan, Annie's goddaughther, isn't on page very much, she definitely brought some comic relief to what was otherwise, for the most part, a pretty serious read.

I will admit I did have some problems with the read. First, the entire premise is based off the trope of miscommunication and lying, whether intentional or unintentional. Annie also has moments of being hypocritical because she gets angry at Sam for hiding a big secret from her, while having full knowledge she has not been entirely truthful to him either. And for a couple that seemed to be so in love, I didn't find their communication very good at all - Sam was continually very dismissive of Annie, especially when she was trying to explain her situation. While I understand the manual was important for Annie's journey through her diagnosis, it was used to solve two main conflicts in the exact same way, and it felt very repetitive. Lastly, a specific scene in chapter 8 was included, in my opinion, for absolutely no reason, and I greatly disliked Ralphie's inclusion in this novel (again, I reinterate, my opinion).

The tagline for this book is "a poignant and hilarious novel about the bonds of marriage, the burdens of maternal love, and the courage to face mortality," which I would find extremely accurate. Overall, it was an enjoyable read with some good insight, small-town vibes, and resolution of familial conflict. If you're looking for a quick read with some witty banter and tough discussion sprinkled in, I recommend picking up Minus Me when it's released.

**content warnings for discussions of miscarriage and stillbirth, mentions or abortion, discussion of infertility, illness, and one scene (chapter 8) of unwanted advances**

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Alcove Press, for the e-copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Minus Me, written by Mameve Medwed, is a mature romance (17 years). Medwed builds a lovely picture of an affectionate couple who must suddenly face the death of the wife. We see her husband, Sam, through Annie’s eyes. He is inept in some aspects of his life, but tenderly astute about their relationship. Medwed creates increased emotional heartbreak with each new revelation of Annie’s and Sam’s life together. Gentle moments of humor throughout the story enliven the action. Minus Me is a hopeful and enjoyable read.

Minus Me is a delightful little book that had a good mix of humor, tragedy, and a timely reminder of how brief life maybe. Loved it from the start.

Annie owns a popular sandwich shop in Maine with her husband Sam. They are an inseparable couple who hide no secrets from each other. When Annie receives a devastating diagnosis that she may die of lung cancer, she goes about writing a manual to help Sam carry on life without her.

The characters were engaging and easy to relate to. The storyline was not complicated and enjoyable.

Summary: A lovely afternoon read, that keeps you entertained with a good mix of everything that u may be looking for.

I enjoyed this light hearted novel about a woman who thinks she’s going to die but doesn’t think her husband can handle the news. Although it lagged in the middle with way too much detail and narrative, I found myself chuckling or laughing out loud several times at the author’s humorous descriptions, particularly of their small town Maine life.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Annie owns a popular sandwich shop in Maine with her sweet yet needy husband Sam. They are an inseparable couple who hide no secrets form each other. One day Annie finds out that she may die from lung cancer and decides to put together a manual for her clueless husband to receive after her passing.

The premise of this book sounded really amazing. It was the main reason why I decided to read this book. By the time I finished reading this book however; I could say with confidence that it’s definitely not my cup of tea. The story took too long to get to the most important part. I also felt like most of the story was missing that added punch that would make similar stories like this one fly off the page. It's also notable that certain characters and scenes had no real purpose to the overall story. The only upside to the story was Annie’s mother Ursula who honestly was the only character I really enjoyed. I really wish it would have been better written story so that each scene really had a significance and focused more on developing Annie as a character and not a standby to her own life.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for this advance read!

Annie and Sam applaud themselves for their unshakeable marriage but when Annie receives some difficult news, her decision to keep secrets will test their bond. I liked the premise of this book and the clever writing but I had difficulty connecting with the characters and I wasn't quite sure of the plot arc - what needed to be resolved before the end of the novel.

Throughout the novel, the reader sees the reflections of Annie but not the growth of her relationship with Sam because their tête-à-tête take place in the last chapter and any changes happen "off screen" between the last chapter and the Epilogue.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Books for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of this book.

I loved the premise of this book: Annie is living the dream life with her "comically" incompetent husband, Sam. Suddenly, Annie get a terrible diagnosis and creates a manual for Sam that he can use once she passes.

Unfortunately, this book fell flat. It took me several tries to get into the book and then I just couldn't connect to any of the characters.

Annie was very annoying to me so I'm sure that was part of the problem.

I wanted to like this book but it just wasn't for me.

Thanks to Netgalley for my advanced ebook copy.

I loved the premise of this book: Annie is living the dream life with her "comically" incompetent husband, Sam. Owners of a famous Maine sandwich shop, their marriage seems unshakable. Until Annie gets a terrible diagnosis and sets about creating a manual for Sam. One that he will use to move on with his life without her.

I expected tears. Unfortunately, the book fell a little flat for me. This was mostly because of characters I couldn't connect with and a plot too neatly tied up with a bow.

At first I was annoyed with Annie's constant treating Sam like an overgrown child. By the end of the book he deserved nothing more. How many times does Annie try to open up to him and he "doesn't want to hear it." His petulance wore on my nerves. But Annie was no better. Huge red marriage flag when you want to keep the fact that you may be dying from your husband. And likewise when you start meeting with cancer specialists and fertility doctors without him. Then we get to Ursula, who speaks like she's the queen and of course just happens to be able to solve all of Annie's problems. It's all a bit too much.

The writing was good and I loved the simplicity of the cover. I really wanted to like book as well. It just wasn't the one for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Books for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel for review.

Thank to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
Annie is a 30 something married woman who receives devastating news of a cancer diagnosis. Against her doctors advice she googles her diagnosis and prepares for the worst, except she doesn’t tell her husband Sam. Instead she writes a manual for his life without her.
I was excited by the premise and was waiting for a hilarious ‘handbook’. So the pros...the book was funny and thought provoking and enjoyable. The cons, I spent the whole time mad at Annie for not telling her husband. Like really mad. But I guess that was the point...to show us what not to do in this instance. I also didn’t like how quickly the book came to a resolution and ended. It felt abrupt..
The good news is I think this would spark a lot of conversation in a book club. I have readers who would enjoy this book. I appreciate that it was a clean read as well.

This book started out well for me. I liked both of the main characters and my heart broke when she got the news. From the description (her comically incompetent husband), I was a little concerned Sam would be a caricature but he really wasn't. Medwed rounded out Annie and Sam both. Where the book fell short for me is that the other characters were not well rounded and Annie's behaviors seemed to not fit everything Medwed had been telling you about this person. It also fell together a bit too quickly and neatly at the end. Not a bad book at all but it fell flat for me.

I so enjoyed this story!
When Annie receives a devastating diagnosis, she knows that she has to help her husband Sam once she is gone.
Hence, she writes a manual for his survival that she is sure will help him move forward without her.
What she does not expect, is her mother visiting and then finding this manual and reading it!
They have never had a true Mother-Daughter relationship and Annie had no intention of telling Ursula of this situation. OH NO! Now what?
A story of fear, hope and love, mixed with humor and the reality of just how short life might be!
Well done!!