This Close to Okay

'This Close to Okay hits the ground running. Cross-Smith writes tenderly about the trial and error of intimacy and draws you in with enormous warmth and control' - Raven Leilani, author of LUSTER

On a rainy October night, therapist Tallie Clark is on her way home from work when she spots a man standing at the edge of a bridge. Without a second thought, Tallie pulls over and convinces him to join her for a cup of coffee. Eventually, he agrees to come back to her house, where he finally shares his name: Emmett.

Over the course of the emotionally charged weekend that follows, Tallie makes it her mission to provide a safe space for Emmett. But he isn't the only one who needs healing-and they both are harbouring secrets...

As they inch closer to the truth of what brought Emmett to the bridge-and the hard truths Tallie has been grappling with since her marriage ended-could their connection lead to love?

This Close to Okay is an uplifting story about chance encounters, and hope found in the most unlikely moments, from a consummate author of emotionally-wrought romance.

Longlisted for the 2022 Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award

Longlisted for the Goodreads Choice Awards

Book of the Month December Pick

Good Housekeeping Book Club February Pick

Marie Claire Book Club March Pick

'This Close to Okay hits the ground running. Cross-Smith writes tenderly about the trial and error of intimacy and draws you in with enormous warmth and control'

Raven Leilani, author of LUSTER
The story of Emmett and Tallie is delicious, romantic, cozy, and satisfying . . . this book opens up hard emotions and truths, but it also offers moments of relief and attention to the sustaining pleasures of life Naima Coster, author oF WHAT'S MINE AND YOURS

This Close to Okay is a story of loneliness and wrenching loss, perfectly counterbalanced by the compassion of strangers and the love of family. This book is a hand-knitted sweater in the middle of a cold winter night

Bryn Greenwood, author of THE RECKLESS OATH WE MADE

Another page-turner . . . A story about the power of vulnerability and connection, This Close to Okay is a moving reminder of the importance of authentic human relationships

Refinery29

One of those rare feel-good novels that also crackles with wisdom, This Close to Okay introduces readers to two characters who will come to feel like cherished friends

Elle
In search of a beach read that will give you all the feels and then some feels you didn't know you needed? Start with Leesa Cross-Smith's heartfelt novel This Close to Okay, a story of how human connection and healing are often intertwined Oprah Daily
This Close To Okay is a story to be savored with prose at once lavish and lithe. A voice unmistakable and unforgettable, Smith is a stylist in the most wondrous sense of the word David Joy, author of WHEN THESE MOUNTAINS BURN
Another page-turner . . . A story about the power of vulnerability and connection, This Close to Okay is a moving reminder of the importance of authentic human relationships Refinery29
Inventive. Authentic. Honest. Craft Literary
One of those rare feel-good novels that also crackles with wisdom, This Close to Okay introduces readers to two characters who will come to feel like cherished friends. . . Over the course of a single weekend, their many conversations on love, loss, grief, and joy coalesce into a primer on human goodness Elle
With great tenderness and care, Leesa Cross-Smith has written a beautiful, moving story about the ways the heart hurts in this world--and the depths we'll go to help each other heal. This Close to Okay is a balm for anyone who's ever felt their faith in themselves or others begin to fade. Natalia Sylvester, author of EVERYONE KNOWS YOU GO HOME

Leesa Cross-Smith is the author of HALF-BLOWN ROSE, THIS CLOSE TO OKAY, SO WE CAN GLOW, WHISKEY & RIBBONS, EVERY KISS A WAR, and GOODBYE EARL. HALF-BLOWN ROSE was the Amazon Editors' Spotlight for June 2022 and THIS CLOSE TO OKAY was a Goodreads Choice 2021 Nominee for Best Fiction, a Book of the Month Book of the Year 2021 Nominee, a Book of the Month Early Release Pick for December 2020, the Good Housekeeping Book Club Pick for February 2021, and the Marie Claire Book Club Pick for March 2021. THIS CLOSE TO OKAY was also longlisted for the 2022 Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award. Find more @ LeesaCrossSmith.com

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