Super Bloom

A Novel

by Megan Tady

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Pub Date May 02 2023 | Archive Date May 19 2023

Zibby Books

General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction

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Description

In this sparkling, heartwarming debut set at an iconic Vermont spa, massage therapist Joan Johnston struggles with grief. She’s lost the love of her life early into their relationship and questions her path forward when she encounters a new client, the firebrand romance novelist Carmen Bronze. Can a quirky assignment from a demanding, eccentric author help Joan rewrite her life?

Massage therapist Joan Johnston can’t seem to get her life back on track. She’s wallowing in grief over the accidental death of her boyfriend, Samuel, and her Eeyore attitude is now seriously jeopardizing her job at Apex Inn & Spa, a Vermont institution, as well as her friendships. Then a new client, Carmen Bronze—famous for her bestselling romance novels as well as her crazy demands and flaming temper—offers Joan the chance to pay down her massage school debt and get back in her boss’ good graces at work. All Joan needs to do is funnel Carmen insider dirt for her next book, which is set at a spa. Joan’s not sure, but she’s out of better options and takes the deal.

As the task unexpectedly reawakens a dormant talent in Joan, she’s irresistibly drawn to writing her own romance novel—one based on her relationship with Samuel that stretches into the bright future they didn’t get to share. Writing seems to be the therapy Joan so desperately needs, and her heart begins to open to unlikely friendships, workplace injustice, and even a new romance.

But it’s not that easy, especially with the intensity of Carmen breathing down her neck. When Carmen discovers what Joan has been up to, she snatches Joan's hand-written manuscript and claims it as her own, leading Joan’s new motley crew of friends to hatch an audacious (and hilarious) plan to get it back.

A heartfelt look at taking second chances in life and in love, Tady’s uplifting debut will have readers rooting for Joan on every page—as well as laughing out loud at her one-of-a-kind wit.

Advance Praise

“Super Bloom is a true delight—hilarious, poignant, and as much of an escape as a spa day in the mountains of Vermont. Who could resist a novel about writers, romance, and the nuances of friendship? Not me! Take Super Bloom along on your next getaway.”

—Amanda Eyre Ward, The New York Times bestselling author of the Reese’s Book Club pick, The Jetsetters & The Lifeguards

“Absolutely delightful.”

—Jenny Lawson, The New York Times bestselling author of Broken (in the best possible way) and Furiously Happy

"Fresh, funny and told by a narrator whose voice I would follow anywhere, Super Bloom is a true delight. I absolutely adored this book.”

—Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script

“Super Bloom is that rare sort of novel that’s both a blast to read and leaves you thinking about the characters long after you’ve finished the last page. Set in a spa in Vermont (who doesn’t want to go there for a while?) Tady delivers a terrific satirical world in which our heroine—a down and out massage therapist mourning a lost love—has to fight her way back to happiness. Throw in some entitled clients and a narcissistic romance novelist with truly evil intentions, and you’ve got a sure hit from a wonderfully gifted new debut novelist. Can’t wait to see what she writes next!

—Katie Crouch, The New York Times bestselling author of Embassy Wife and Girls in Trucks

“Super Bloom is such a fun read! Tady had me laughing out loud as I followed her quirky, broken-hearted heroine Joan as she bumbled her way through grief, loss, and the more typical hardships of a thirty-something woman living in a small town. This life-affirming story (and a romance within a romance within a romance) is a tale of unexpected friendship, moving through grief, and never giving up on your dreams.”

—Eileen Garvin, bestselling author of The Music of Bees

"Super Bloom is super fun! Like a great massage therapist, Tady’s funny, feel-good debut will de-stress and delight."

—Georgia Clark, bestselling author of Island Time and It Had to Be You

"A winning (and wickedly funny) debut about a massage therapist's second chance at life. Like a skilled therapist herself, Tady works all the right pressure points to leave the reader rejuvenated. I already can't wait to read what she writes next."

—Steven Rowley, bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, The Editor, and The Guncle