This Close to Okay

‘This Close to Okay hits the ground running. Cross-Smith writes tenderly about the trial and error of intimacy and draws you in with enormous warmth and control’

* Raven Leilani, author of LUSTER *
The story of Emmett and Tallie is delicious, romantic, cozy, and satisfying … this book opens up hard emotions and truths, but it also offers moments of relief and attention to the sustaining pleasures of life * Naima Coster, author oF WHAT’S MINE AND YOURS *

This Close to Okay is a story of loneliness and wrenching loss, perfectly counterbalanced by the compassion of strangers and the love of family. This book is a hand-knitted sweater in the middle of a cold winter night

* Bryn Greenwood, author of THE RECKLESS OATH WE MADE *

Another page-turner … A story about the power of vulnerability and connection, This Close to Okay is a moving reminder of the importance of authentic human relationships

* Refinery29 *

One of those rare feel-good novels that also crackles with wisdom, This Close to Okay introduces readers to two characters who will come to feel like cherished friends

* Elle *
In search of a beach read that will give you all the feels and then some feels you didn’t know you needed? Start with Leesa Cross-Smith’s heartfelt novel This Close to Okay, a story of how human connection and healing are often intertwined * Oprah Daily *
This Close To Okay is a story to be savored with prose at once lavish and lithe. A voice unmistakable and unforgettable, Smith is a stylist in the most wondrous sense of the word * David Joy, author of WHEN THESE MOUNTAINS BURN *
Another page-turner … A story about the power of vulnerability and connection, This Close to Okay is a moving reminder of the importance of authentic human relationships * Refinery29 *
Inventive. Authentic. Honest. * Craft Literary *
One of those rare feel-good novels that also crackles with wisdom, This Close to Okay introduces readers to two characters who will come to feel like cherished friends… Over the course of a single weekend, their many conversations on love, loss, grief, and joy coalesce into a primer on human goodness * Elle *
With great tenderness and care, Leesa Cross-Smith has written a beautiful, moving story about the ways the heart hurts in this world–and the depths we’ll go to help each other heal. This Close to Okay is a balm for anyone who’s ever felt their faith in themselves or others begin to fade. * Natalia Sylvester, author of EVERYONE KNOWS YOU GO HOME *