Return Receipt Requested

by Mitzi Mensch

Diagnosed with malignant melanoma after years of being a sun bunny in Hawai`i, Madeline accepts that this is the time for dying. Her only regret is that she has missed out on lasting love, and she is determined to be held in the embrace of a man's arms as she draws her final breath. The problem, as usual, is she can't figure out which man. With a history of being a female philanderer Madeline always picks guys with fatal flaws, absolving herself of the necessity to choose. With Beau the obstacle is his drinking, with Howard his marriage, with Max his age. With time growing short Madeline springs into action. Once again, however, she evades the decision making process by leaving it up to the men. She writes a letter, changing only the name, telling each he is the most important person in the world to her and the one she would most like to be with as she goes toward that white light. She throws in a few incentives to sweeten the deal and sends the letter return receipt requested. As Madeline awaits the answers the story of each relationship is told, depicting three different stages in her life. Though highly unconventional her life decisions may be they bring fulfillment and satisfaction to her and those around her. The sentiment which she sums up with sanguine simplicity at the surprising denouement is 'The difference between living and dying is love.'

220 pages, Paperback

Published February 12, 2016

About the author

Mitzi Mensch was born and raised in New England and attended college in Vermont. An island girl at heart, she moved to Hawai`i where she has lived long enough to be kama`aina.

Reviews

[Fluff Smut & Murder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley.com and to the publisher for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Shame on me for being distracted by a pretty cover that I didn’t read the book description as closely as I should have so I ended up being disappointed with this novel. I was expecting a sweet recap of past loving relationships as a woman lay dying and when it wasn’t like that at all, I was thrown for a little tizzy. Would I have liked it more if I had read the description better – I’m not entirely sure.
What I loved: The ending was a welcome surprise – not only was it unexpected but I think Madeline finally got what she was craving with something unexpected. It was a nice change to see her think with her heart and head and not just her loins.
What I didn’t love: I found it sad that Madeline didn’t seem to have enough confidence in herself to be on her own. She always had to have a man around – even if it was for all of the wrong reasons. In the three relationships she was always the other woman. The relationships were constantly mentioned as flings, casual hookups, and the like – of course you’re not going to have lasting love if you’re not ready and able to commit to one person, all of the time; Madeline has no right to complain about not having lasting love in her life. She selected men who were already engaged in relationships with demanding women and she was happy with the pitiful little crumbs of love, affection and attention they provided her from time to time. Not exactly welcoming traits in a heroine..
What I learned: Life in paradise has a dark side too
Overall Grade: C-

www.fsam15.wix.com/fluffsmutandmurder

[Alessia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent time reading this book over the long weekend and Im glad I did. I thought it was an enjoyable book, entertaining and full of characters. At times I related to Madeline or knew someone who was like her and made the decisions she did but often times I found the character to be lost and just wanted love and to be loved like the rest of us.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I was afraid it was going to be way too depressing, but was pleasantly surprised.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Debi Stout · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had planned to start this book on several occasions but when I finally got into it, I gave it a strong effort. I read exactly 6% (according to my kindle) and there were just too many men to keep track of, boyfriends, friends, ex husbands, whatever. It wasn't my cup of tea, although I'm not saying it was a bad book. It just wasn't what I expected and I just couldn't seem to get into it. This doesn't happen often, but when it does, I just can't get past it. I'm sorry.