Review & Giveaway: "What Came First" by Carol Snow

Vanessa wants only one thing for her 29th birthday- a ring and the accompanying proposal from her boyfriend, Eric. When her ring turns out to be a mix CD, and when she finds out that a proposal and the resulting children will most certainly not be a part of her future with Eric, Vanessa starts exploring alternative ways to start a family.

When Wendy and her husband Darren, desperate for children, found out that they couldn't have any, they turned to a sperm donor to make their dreams possible. Five years later Wendy finds herself the mother of unruly twins, her only escape being scrapbooking and snacks, while Darren escapes into the world of computer games. Their family is so fragmented that Wendy wonders if it is even possible to put it all back together again.

Single parent Laura is eternally grateful to her anonymous sperm donor for giving her the gift of her eight-year-old son, Ian. Ian is a gifted and sweet child who asks for little, but it bothers Laura that the one thing he wants the most is something that she can't give him- a sibling.

These three women's paths cross following a surprising phone call, and all of them will come through their experiences fundamentally changed.

The last time I read a book by Carol Snow, I found myself devouring it. She writes a compelling story and at that time I found myself unable to put the book down. Of course I jumped at the chance to read What Came First, and it didn't disappoint. The topic, sperm donation and how it affects those involved, is fresh and current, and although this particular theme has been explored in other books, she brought a new angle to it. I flew through it, thoroughly enjoying getting to know the main characters and their individual stories.

My only warning to potential readers is that Carol Snow books are incredibly addictive. I read What Came First and immediately followed that up by reading her debut, which I had on my shelves but had not read yet, Been There, Done That, which was also excellent. I now have two more of her books downloaded onto my eReader. I can highly recommend this to women looking for something to read that is interesting yet light enough to read as an escape from the everyday.

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Thanks to the publisher, Penguin, I have two copies of What Came First to give away to two lucky readers. Due to publisher's restrictions this giveaway is open to US residents only. It will run until October 26, 2011, and winners will be contacted by e-mail. To enter:

1. *Mandatory Entry* Please tell me why you are interested in winning a copy of this book and include an e-mail address so that I can contact you if you win.

2. *Bonus Entry* Become a follower through Google Friend Connect and let me know that you now follow. Current followers are eligible as well, just let me know in the comments that you already follow (+1 entry).

3. *Bonus Entry* Spread the word about this contest in some way. You can Facebook it, Tweet about it, or share it on your blog. Leave me a link to how you spread the word (+1 entry).

Entries can be combined into one comment if preferred. Good luck!!