Melissa Senate

I'm the author of nine novels, including my debut, SEE JANE DATE (called "cheeky" by Newsweek magazine and made into a very cute TV movie) and my newest, THE MOSTS, my second novel for teens, about how "Most Popular" transforms (or doesn't…) a group of "misfits" so they won't make the very mean Most Not list. Check out the Teen Fiction tab above for more info.

2010 is a rare TWO BOOK year for me. Coming in October (October 26th to be exact), from Simon & Schuster, is my next novel for adults, THE LOVE GODDESS' COOKING SCHOOL. An Italian cooking class, with special recipes that call for adding wishes and memories to every pot and pan, changes the lives of its new teacher–heartbroken Holly Maguire–and her four students: a twelve-year-old girl; a grieving woman; a serial dater, and a newly separated single father. (I'll post cover soon, but in the meantime you can read more about the novel by clicking on the Adult Fiction tab above.)

Also out now is my latest novel for adults, THE SECRET OF JOY, about 28-year-old New Yorker Rebecca Strand who discovers, via her father's deathbed confession, that she has a 26-year-old half-sister she never knew existed. Off she goes to a small coastal town in Maine to find her. She doesn't exactly receive the warmest welcome–except by the lovable, quirky locals…and a sexy carpenter named Theo. 

One of my favorite and most cherished reviews is by the New York Times bestselling author of SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTTT, Beth Hoffman:

"This is a wonderful story that encouraged me to take a deeper look at love, relationships, family, disappointment, and most importantly, forgiveness. With a smooth and enjoyable writing style, Melissa Senate whisked me into the lives of Rebecca and Joy, seemingly opposite half-sisters who didn't know the other existed until the death of their father. Though Rebecca is delighted to discover she has a sister, Joy is anything but. It is while Rebecca tries to kindle a relationship with her reluctant half-sister that she begins the process of self-examination, reflection, and ultimately discovery. The author handled this brilliantly. If you yearn for quality contemporary women's fiction that's loaded with wit, insight into the heart, and unusual charm, then this is your book!"

Read an excerpt at Simon & Schuster website! Order from Amazon and check out the rave reviews!! Order from Barnes & Noble or from Borders

Scroll down for my blog, which is updated often with random musings and book recommendations.  The comments are under attack by spam, so feel free to email me with any questions/comments at melissasenate at yahoo.com (use @ symbol and write as all one word–always trying to stay one step ahead of the spammers!)

Be my friend on Facebook! (http://www.facebook.com/MelissaSenate)

And follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MelissaSenate