We love stories about books bringing people together, especially when the story is this sweet:
Jessica Lawrence is the publicity manager at St. Martin's Press, and her name is on Sarah Addison Allen's website. Sarah is the author of Garden Spells and First Frost (due out January 20). Carl Knauf found Jessica's contact information on Sarah's site and wrote to her, saying: "Ms. Allen's book Garden Spells has a cute connection in our relationship because it was actually what my girlfriend let me borrow to read during our first 'date.' It was her copy of her favorite book, and I enjoyed it as well, so I think there's some special meaning to the work (hopefully she does as well!).... I was wondering if Ms. Allen could personalize a copy, but also write something about me having a question for her, or 'Will you marry Carl?' or something along those lines?"
Jessica says that Sarah--"just about the nicest person I have ever worked with"--of course agreed. She sent Carl a copy of Garden Spells, and wrote:
Magical love stories have no ending...
Aliyyah,
Will you marry Carl?
xo
Sarah Addison Allen
Her charming inscription (and true love) worked their magic: Aliyyah Sumner and Carl Knauf of Albuquerque, N.Mex., got engaged on December 20. Best wishes to the romantic and bookish couple! --Marilyn Dahl, editor, Shelf Awareness for Readers