The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan
*Over 13,000 reviews with a 4. 2 Star Rating
& Selected as Amazon First Reads Editor's Choice in Romance December 2023!
When a young woman hits rock bottom, she embarks on a positively Dickensian adventure in a witty and warmhearted novel about past regrets, old loves, new beginnings, and making up for lost time.
Avery Lawrence thought she had it all—a charming fiancé, a Broadway-themed star-studded engagement, and a picture-perfect life. But when her fraudster of a fiancé’s true identity is exposed and he’s hauled away in handcuffs, Avery’s world comes crashing down faster than the chandelier in Phantom of the Opera. Left stranded on Christmas Day outside the federal prison without her cell phone or wallet, Avery stumbles out of the cold and into the last phone booth in Manhattan. With nothing left to lose, Avery is directed by a mysterious voice on the line to the doorstep of the college boyfriend she thought she’d moved on from over six years ago.
When a second encounter with the phone booth leads Avery to a life-changing audition for Marley Is Dead, a new musical based on Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, Avery is blown away by the striking similarities between the show and her own life. Convinced the phone booth is somehow responsible for reuniting her with “the one that got away” and reigniting her acting career, maybe she will finally have the chance to rewrite her future. But as she grapples with the ghosts of her past and the uncertainty of her present, Avery must decide whether to follow her heart or pursue her dream.
The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan Reviews
"Merlin and Modafferi deliver a supernatural spin to a typical do-over story, and Avery's journey through the phone booth of Christmas past is a colorful one. A modern Dickens homage with Broadway flair!" - Kirkus Reviews
"As a broadway musical lover, I found this book to be absolutely charming! I loved ALL the characters… and was SO satisfied by the ending. This book has a very strong message- don’t miss it!" - C. Starke, Amazon Verified Purchase
"There’s a little humor, some magic, and a good bit of romance. There are even some interesting twists and surprises along the way.... Kudos to the authors on the lovely story. Definitely worthy of 5 stars. ❤" - Maryann S, Amazon Verified Purchase
"I took my time getting to this book after purchasing, but, wow!, what an amazing ride. So much packed into the characters, the setting, the lives, the dreams. Love it all! I've never visited New York and never pursued an acting career, but sensed I was walking alongside everyone, feeling their anxiety and fears, celebrating their victories, and growing toward their dreams. I saw the Big Apple as those who embrace it. I reveled in the endings and the beginnings. Don't wait to read this true gem, like I did." - JC Boyer, Amazon Verified Purchase
"I'm not sure how I stumbled on this book but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. First I have to say that I truly love stories that are set in New York and once I started reading discovered so many similarities between Avery and my own daughter.... both went to Tisch, both aspiring actresses, both making decisions based on what might now be best for them, both needing to believe in their self and their own abilities. I was not even half way through the book when I knew there was a message my daughter needed to get from this story. Every single one of us could probably use a do-over for some decision they've made at one time or another in their life. No spoilers here but so awesome when Avery finally realizes the reason for hers. Love, love, loved this book and hope my daughter takes my recommendation to read and has her own similar epiphany." - Rhonda Smith, Amazon Verified Purchase
"As I was reading the book, I told my wife that it was cute and I thought she would enjoy it. In reality, I was the one who really enjoyed it. I loved the characters and they came to life. They were all so real. I loved this story and was rooting for Avery's success. Very happy to have read this book." - Anon., Amazon Verified Purchase