Lipstick Apology is a heart-wrenching story that gave me chills — you know, the kind where you just want to hug the one you love before the lump in your throat gives way and the tears spill forth? — from the moment I read the first chapter. Emily’s journey takes us through the horrifying and endlessly-publicized deaths of her parents, her intense and inconsolable grief, a mysterious clue left by her mother in the final moments of her life, and the everyday struggles of a teen girl in a new city searching for love and acceptance. I found myself alternately cheering Emily on and scolding her, just wanting her to finally see the good things and people in her life and to ultimately be okay. Lipstick Aplogy’s cast of characters is flawed and realistic and reminds us that when it comes to home and family, there’s no such thing as typical.

About LIPSTICK APOLOGY

Four little words written in lipstick mean Emily must say goodbye to everything she knows. Emily Carson has always been a good girl. So when she throws a party the night her parents leave for vacation, she’s sure she’ll get busted. What Emily doesn’t know is that her parents will never return. That their plane will go down. And the only thing left amidst the wreckage will be a tray table with the words: Emily please forgive me scrawled in lipstick – her mother’s last words.

Now it’s fall in New York City and Emily’s trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Her public tragedy captures the attention of more than just the media – and soon two very different boys at her new school are pursuing her: the cute, popular Owen, and the quirky chemistry partner slash pastry-baker-by-night, Anthony. But even with such delicious distractions, Emily can’t let go of her mother’s mysterious apology. Does she have the courage to face the truth?

With help of a whole new kind of family – one that includes a make-up artist to the stars, a teen hand model, and a wacky hairdresser – Emily must choose between the boy who makes her forget it all, and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately, heal.

Emily’s 2009 Debut Party

The Guest List

I think all of Emily’s close friends as well as her best friend, Georgia from home would get together. Her aunt Jolie and Trent would come also.

The Party

Emily attends a lot of big blow out parties, but her party would be smaller, more intimate, more homey, set on a rooftop with the Manhattan skyline shooting up all around. Guests are treated to free make up from Jolie and hair cuts from Trent.

I want a Trent haircut! Can I get highlights, too? Please?

The Guest of Honor: Emily

Emily is wearing something comfy — jeans and a t shirt. And her theme song? We Are Family.

I got all my sisters and me…

Jennifer’s Advice for Emily on Her Big Debut

It’s okay to miss your parents, but you are not alone. We build our families from the people we surround ourselves with, and you are surrounded by so many wonderful people.

Congratulations to Jennifer and Emily on their big debut! LIPSTICK APOLOGY is available in book stores now, and also online through Indiebound and other Web retailers.

Jennifer Jabaley was born in New York and raised in Bridgewater, New Jersey. She graduated from James Madison University with a degree in chemistry and received a doctorate from Southern College of Optometry. A part-time optometrist and mother of two, Jennifer began writing her first novel after a phone call from her sister sparked an idea for a story that lingered in her mind and stirred her creative juices. Jen lives in Blue Ridge, Georgia and is currently at work on her second book. Visit Jennifer online.