Get our latest staff recommendations, classroom reading guides and discover assets for your stores and social media channels. Receive the Children’s Bookseller newsletter to your inbox when you sign up, plus more from Simon & Schuster.If you are an independent bookseller in the U.S. and would like to be added to our independent bookseller newsletter, please email indies@simonandschuster.com
Table of Contents
About The Book
Love Is Blind meets You’ve Got Mail in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy following two thirty-somethings who meet on a blind dating app—only to realize that their online chemistry is nothing compared to their offline rivalry.
Perpetually cheerful and eager to please, Gracie Cooper strives to make the best out of every situation. So when her father dies just months after a lung cancer diagnosis, she sets aside her dreams of pursuing her passion for art to take over his Midtown Manhattan champagne shop. She soon finds out that the store’s profit margins are being squeezed perilously tight, and complicating matters further, a giant corporation headed by the impossibly handsome, but irritatingly arrogant Sebastian Andrews is proposing a buyout. But Gracie can’t bear the thought of throwing away her father’s dream like she did her own.
Overwhelmed and not wanting to admit to her friends or family that she’s having second thoughts about the shop, Gracie seeks advice and solace from someone she’s never met—the faceless “Sir”, with whom she connected on a blind dating app where matches get to know each other through messages and common interests before exchanging real names or photos.
But although Gracie finds herself slowly falling for Sir online, she has no idea she’s already met him in real life…and they can’t stand each other.
Perpetually cheerful and eager to please, Gracie Cooper strives to make the best out of every situation. So when her father dies just months after a lung cancer diagnosis, she sets aside her dreams of pursuing her passion for art to take over his Midtown Manhattan champagne shop. She soon finds out that the store’s profit margins are being squeezed perilously tight, and complicating matters further, a giant corporation headed by the impossibly handsome, but irritatingly arrogant Sebastian Andrews is proposing a buyout. But Gracie can’t bear the thought of throwing away her father’s dream like she did her own.
Overwhelmed and not wanting to admit to her friends or family that she’s having second thoughts about the shop, Gracie seeks advice and solace from someone she’s never met—the faceless “Sir”, with whom she connected on a blind dating app where matches get to know each other through messages and common interests before exchanging real names or photos.
But although Gracie finds herself slowly falling for Sir online, she has no idea she’s already met him in real life…and they can’t stand each other.
Excerpt
Chapter One
My dear Lady,
Pistachio gelato, you say. That’s my mother’s favorite, on the very rare occasions she lets herself eat food with actual flavor or calories. Alas, I confess the often-added green food coloring creeps me out.
Yours in renewed devotion to sorbet,
Sir
To Sir, with alarm,
Did you just compare me to your mother? Not sure how I feel about that…
Lady
My dear Lady,
I hear it now. I take it back and reassure you that in no way do I think of you as my mother.
Yours in apology,
Sir
My dear Lady,
Pistachio gelato, you say. That’s my mother’s favorite, on the very rare occasions she lets herself eat food with actual flavor or calories. Alas, I confess the often-added green food coloring creeps me out.
Yours in renewed devotion to sorbet,
Sir
To Sir, with alarm,
Did you just compare me to your mother? Not sure how I feel about that…
Lady
My dear Lady,
I hear it now. I take it back and reassure you that in no way do I think of you as my mother.
Yours in apology,
Sir
About The Author
Photograph by Anthony LeDonne
Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than three dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies worldwide. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.
Product Details
- Publisher: Gallery Books (June 29, 2021)
- Length: 288 pages
- ISBN13: 9781982152819
Browse Related Books
Raves and Reviews
"Layne crafts a gleefully shameless homage to Little Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail that sparkles like champagne fizz. ... This is a delight."
– Publishers Weekly, *starred* review
“Layne’s newest contemporary romance features a classic enemies-to-lovers plot and plenty of banter. The side characters, including Gracie’s siblings and employees, add an extra spark to this already charming tale. A first-tier purchase, especially for libraries where romantic comedies are popular.”
– Library Journal, *starred* review
"Layne updates the Nora Ephron 1998 rom-com, You've Got Mail, for digital-age Manhattan...Sweet and full of humor… readers will be rooting for Gracie to find her Prince Charming."
– Booklist
“Remember the movie You've Got Mail? Think of this novel as an updated version, Tinder and all....It's the perfect read while sipping a Mai Tai on the sand.”
– Cosmopolitan.com
“If you love the 1998 film You've Got Mail you’ll love this book...And if you’re a sucker for a New York City setting, Cooper’s little Manhattan shop and park dates will check that box for you, too."
– USA Today
“As light and refreshing as a glass of champagne, To Sir, with Love will have you smiling from the first swoon-worthy page to the last.”
– Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author
"Fans of Nora Ephron will adore this ... Lauren Layne puts a fresh spin on a favorite classic, creating a charming, witty, heartfelt tale of hope and love and second chances."
– Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of THE LIFE LIST
"A charming, swoony, funny, must-read delight of a book! Unexpected side-effect: I now crave a champagne tasting in Manhattan with an oh-so-handsome business rival."
– Evie Dunmore, USA Today Bestselling Author of PORTRAIT OF A SCOTSMAN
"To Sir, with Love is a delight—as sweet and bubbly as a glass of champagne. I loved Gracie's fairytale take on the world, her wonderful friends and family, and her highly unusual romantic situation! Such a warm, lovely read."
– Beth O'Leary, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Flatshare
"Crackling with humor and sizzling with romantic tension, this charming modern fairy tale sparkles like the best champagne. I couldn’t put it down!"
– Alexis Daria, National Bestselling author of You Had Me At Hola
“Perfect for: fans of You've Got Mail, Meet Cute, and The Wedding Party.”
– Country Living
“For when your fave movie of all time is You’ve Got Mail…Don’t miss this modern version."
– The Skimm
This book was absolutely amazing. Layne has a special gift with bringing to life Manhattan based romances... The best romance novel that I have read in months!... A brilliantly beautiful story that hits all the right spots... A definite must read!"
– Harlequin Junkie
“Lauren Layne proves once again that she’s the queen of contemporary New York City romance with To Sir, With Love. Her breezy dialogue and delightful characters will fully immerse readers in this dreamy and sophisticated love story… a wonderfully satisfying romance.”
– Bookpage *starred review*
"To Sir, With Love would be a great introduction to Layne’s books if you haven’t already tried them already. What are you waiting for? Your next book boyfriend awaits!”
– Fresh Fiction
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): To Sir, with Love Trade Paperback 9781982152819
- Author Photo (jpg): Lauren Layne Photograph by Anthony LeDonne(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
