Get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
Table of Contents
About The Book
Booklist, Top 10 Women’s Fiction of 2016
Goodreads Best Romance of August
Redbook.com’s “20 Books by Women You Must ReadThis Fall”
Popsugar’s “21 Fiction Reads to Add to Your Fall Reading List”
Bustle’s “11 New Romance Books Perfect for Summer Beach Reading”
Brit+Co’s “16 Must-Read Adult Books Out in August”
Sunset magazine’s “Bookmark this: Your ultimate summer reading list”
From USA TODAY bestselling author Renée Carlino (Before We Were Strangers), a warm and witty novel about a struggling writer who must come to grips with her past, present, and future after she discovers that she’s the inspiration for a pseudonymously published bestselling novel.
When a bestselling debut novel from mysterious author J. Colby becomes the literary event of the year, Emiline reads it reluctantly. As an adjunct writing instructor at UC San Diego with her own stalled literary career and a bumpy long-term relationship, Emiline isn’t thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of a young and gifted writer.
Yet from the very first page, Emiline is entranced by the story of Emerson and Jackson, two childhood best friends who fall in love and dream of a better life beyond the long dirt road that winds through their impoverished town in rural Ohio.
That’s because the novel is patterned on Emiline’s own dark and desperate childhood, which means that “J. Colby” must be Jase: the best friend and first love she hasn’t seen in over a decade. Far from being flattered that he wrote the novel from her perspective, Emiline is furious that he co-opted her painful past and took some dramatic creative liberties with the ending.
The only way she can put her mind at ease is to find and confront “J. Colby,” but is she prepared to learn the truth behind the fiction?
Goodreads Best Romance of August
Redbook.com’s “20 Books by Women You Must ReadThis Fall”
Popsugar’s “21 Fiction Reads to Add to Your Fall Reading List”
Bustle’s “11 New Romance Books Perfect for Summer Beach Reading”
Brit+Co’s “16 Must-Read Adult Books Out in August”
Sunset magazine’s “Bookmark this: Your ultimate summer reading list”
From USA TODAY bestselling author Renée Carlino (Before We Were Strangers), a warm and witty novel about a struggling writer who must come to grips with her past, present, and future after she discovers that she’s the inspiration for a pseudonymously published bestselling novel.
When a bestselling debut novel from mysterious author J. Colby becomes the literary event of the year, Emiline reads it reluctantly. As an adjunct writing instructor at UC San Diego with her own stalled literary career and a bumpy long-term relationship, Emiline isn’t thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of a young and gifted writer.
Yet from the very first page, Emiline is entranced by the story of Emerson and Jackson, two childhood best friends who fall in love and dream of a better life beyond the long dirt road that winds through their impoverished town in rural Ohio.
That’s because the novel is patterned on Emiline’s own dark and desperate childhood, which means that “J. Colby” must be Jase: the best friend and first love she hasn’t seen in over a decade. Far from being flattered that he wrote the novel from her perspective, Emiline is furious that he co-opted her painful past and took some dramatic creative liberties with the ending.
The only way she can put her mind at ease is to find and confront “J. Colby,” but is she prepared to learn the truth behind the fiction?
About The Author
Photography by Chris Wodjak Photography 2016
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and the bestselling author of Sweet Thing, Nowhere But Here, After the Rain, Before We Were Strangers, Swear on This Life, and Wish You Were Here. She grew up in Southern California and lives in the San Diego area with her husband and two sons. To learn more, visit ReneeCarlino.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atria Books (August 9, 2016)
- Length: 320 pages
- ISBN13: 9781501105807
Raves and Reviews
Praise for Swear on This Life:
“Swear on This Life is Renée Carlino at her finest. Raw, real and gripping; I read it in one sitting.”
– Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Ends With Us
"This bestselling author knows how to deliver a literary punch, and Swear on this Life is her strongest yet.”
– Redbook.com
“Mysterious and compelling, Swear on this Life is the epic love story your summer needs.”
– Bustle
“Carlino fans will love this one, and so will readers who have not yet made her acquaintance. The tale is engaging and paced to keep the pages turning long after the lights should be out.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“[Readers] will find themselves simply smitten by both the novel in front of them and the story within the story. Romance readers and women’s fiction fans should snap up this charming love story.”
– Booklist
"Romance fans will find this heartfelt story of resilience and first love hard to put down."
– Library Journal
“Mesmerizing. A story of love and redemption, Renee Carlino's novel is a perfect reason for staying up too late to read.”
– Shelf Awareness
“Holy schnikes, this book...I love the juxtaposition of the story within a story, and I’m addicted to Emi and Jase’s ill-fated love.”
– Heroes and Heartbreakers
“Easily one of the very best reading experiences I’ve had all year. I absolutely loved every word and highly recommend it to everyone!”
– Aestas Book Blog
“I know we’re only a little more than halfway through 2016 but I’m proclaiming Swear on This Life to be a Top Pick of the Year. It has to be, thanks to the incredible storytelling ability of Renee Carlino.”
– Harlequin Junkie (Top Pick)
“The single most intoxicating reading experience I've ever had.”
– Angie & Jessica's Dreamy Reads (#1 Favorite Read of 2016)
“Renée Carlino is an author whose stories always make the heart grow tenfold, but with this book she brought mine to the point of bursting…[I] cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone seeking an exquisitely-written second-chance romance that will leave you lost in thought for days to come.”
– Natasha is a Book Junkie
“A beautifully-written second-chance romance that stays with you long after you’re done.”
– Vilma’s Book Blog, 5 stars
“Carlino's writing will transport you.”
– Book Baristas, 4.5 coffee cups
“Renee Carlino continues to astound me with her unforgettable and unique stories that touch readers’ hearts, and I am a FOREVER fan.”
– Shh Mom’s Reading
“Compelling and unique…If you enjoy second chance romances, emotional reads, and books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Colleen Hoover (and Renee Carlino!) don’t miss Swear on This Life.”
– The Reading Date
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Swear on This Life eBook 9781501105807
- Author Photo (jpg): Renée Carlino Photography by Chris Wodjak Photography 2016(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
