A novel by Holly Larsen · Out now

Lucky, Lucky
People

A comedy of bad manners
Buy the book
Paperback · Kindle · Set in Alameda, CA
Lucky, Lucky People — cover
About the book

Four couples. One island.
A lot of bad behavior.

Shari plays tennis at dawn to avoid her husband. It's not that hard. Gary is actively avoiding her. Eva built up her small business but can't build a decent relationship. Steve is too busy finding himself—and other women—to give Eva the attention she craves.

And that's only two of the four couples.

Set across one bittersweet Bay Area spring, Lucky, Lucky People is a comedy of manners with the manners removed. Sharp and tender, it's the perfect antidote to your book club book.

The cast

Four couples. None of them OK.

Shari & Gary
The long marrieds

She thinks her marriage is just going through a rough patch. He thinks someone on the side can't hurt anyone. Turns out, they're both wrong.

Phil & Jillian
The college grads

He wishes she weren't smoking hot so he could walk away. She wishes he weren't smoking hot so she could dump him—and then walk away. Turns out, smoking hot might not cut it.

Eva & Steve
The not-quite couple

She wishes he cared more. He wishes she would care less. Turns out, wishes don't always come true.

Daniel & Annie
The dreamers

He wants it all: a wife, a home, and a cute little kid. She wants a career she loves. Turns out, it's really hard to make both dreams come true.

Holly Larsen, author of Lucky, Lucky People
Holly Larsen · Alameda, CA
About the author

Hi. I'm Holly.

I live in Alameda, the best town in the world, where this book is set.

I read a lot of comedies of manners — Jane Austen, Diane Johnson, Liane Moriarty. I started writing one because I wanted another.

I also wanted a change after decades writing intensely dull material for a variety of organizations. Lucky, Lucky People is definitely a change. In it, I wanted to create a rom-com square dance, with four couples weaving in and out of the misadventures that are part and parcel of modern life.

My previous novel, Sisters, Plural, is loosely based on the romance between my Mormon great-grandparents just after the turn of the 20th century. Next up: a cat who solves a murder mystery. Or does she? To be determined.

Who can spend all their life writing? Not me. When not at my computer, I read, swim, enjoy the San Francisco Bay Area, and hang out with friends and family, especially my gifted and talented grandsons.

It's funny.
It's a little mean.
It is, surprisingly, a love story.

I loved reading this book. It was riveting — very entertaining and laugh out loud funny. It's witty and insightful and very clever. — Laurel G.
I loved that Alameda plays such a big role. It's like a major character in the book. A romance novel! — Elizabeth M.
I was supposed to read my book club book. I read this book instead. It was just so much more fun! — Laura J.
Events & readings

Come say hi.

Jul 16Thursday · 6:30 pm
Reading at Books Inc., Alameda
1344 Park Street, Alameda CA · Short reading. Signing. And more.
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Get in touch

Drop me a line.

Questions or just want to say hi? I'd love to hear from you.

larsencomms@gmail.com