Book Extract: When We Were Us by Patricia Caliskan

I’m pleased to be welcoming Patricia Caliskan to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her novel, When We Were Us.

Is it ever too late to start again…?

Erika Forde has always played second fiddle to her husband David, the famous novelist. But since their son, Matt, left home for university, cracks have started to show in their marriage.

Erika has long had a nagging suspicion that David may not always have been faithful, and now his latest books are starting to wane in popularity causing erratic moods that are affecting Erika.

But while David’s career starts to dip, Erika’s advertising agency is on the up.

Erika’s creative genius wins the agency a huge client in Stable Denim, but her life is thrown into turmoil when one of the models cast for the campaign turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, Enzo.

Has Enzo been sent back into Erika’s life for a reason? Is it time for her to reevaluate her marriage?

Or should some things be left in the past…?

WHEN WE WERE US is a second chance love story, that shows the ups and downs of family life with buckets of humour and wit.

Patricia has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy. 

*****beginning of extract*****

Erika Forde has always played second fiddle to her husband David, the famous novelist. But since their son, Matt, left home for university, cracks have started to show in their marriage.

While David’s career starts to dip, Erika’s advertising agency is on the up. Erika Forde’s creative genius wins her creative advertising agency a huge client in Stable Denim, but her life is thrown into turmoil when one of the models cast for the campaign turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, Enzo Morelli.

Has Enzo been sent back into Erika’s life for a reason? Is it time for her to reevaluate her marriage? Or should some things be left in the past…?

Erika was already trawling commercial agencies for good-looking guys over forty, wondering if this was how Tinder worked. They only had a couple of weeks to pitch back to William. She wasn’t prepared to embarrass herself or be accused of wasting his time. As the studio door opened, Erika put on her headphones and stared intently through the glass.

This guy was a definite improvement. He was over six feet, with long, denim-clad legs. A reassuringly slack amount of denim hinted at a compact butt. He wore a crisp, white shirt and his shoulders were slightly too large for his body, almost like armour, she thought. She found his face and recognition hit. The new addition of a salt and pepper beard made her doubt it was him at first. But as they locked eyes, she felt his recognition.

*****end of extract*****

About Patricia Caliskan – 

Patricia Caliskan’s latest novel, When We Were US, will be released in February 2024.
Girlfriend Interrupted, was released by Sapere Books, June 2018.Her debut novel, Awful by Comparison, was released in August 2016.

Told with mischievous humour, Patricia Caliskan’s stories explore family dynamics, office politics, and the divergent roles of women throughout their lives.

Patricia began her writing career as an arts and entertainment journalist, before joining Reach PLC as commercial editor across a portfolio of magazine titles.

Patricia likes a nice, flouncy scarf, a good pair of boots, and laughter. Lots of laughter. Otherwise life feels far too grown-up for her liking.

Say hello to Patricia via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X.)

When We Were Us was released on 9th February 2024. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Amazon US. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.