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Carolyn Menke is the author of Return To Me and the prequel, I'm Yours. Set during the 1940s, Return To Me is Sadie's story, the governor's niece who must hide an unexpected pregnancy during wartime. I'm Yours is the story of Sadie's mother, when Audrey was a young starlet destined for Broadway during the Roaring Twenties, setting the stage for the decision that affected generations to come.
A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Carolyn is an award-winning author of historical fiction. She enjoys long walks and new adventures with her three daughters, husband, and goldendoodle.
Please say hello on social media where she can be found on Instagram and Facebook.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
I’m Yours by Carolyn Menke introduces readers to Audrey, a young woman navigating love, ambition, and uncertainty in a world shaped by performance and desire. The story begins with Edward’s restless search for Audrey, who is torn between two paths, one grounded in her relationship with Edward and the other tied to her aspirations in the theater. The narrative shifts between moments of intimacy and scenes filled with music, conversation, and anticipation, offering insight into Audrey’s inner conflict. Her interactions with Stella and Edward reveal different sides of her character, from vulnerability to determination. The unfolding events suggest a story molded by decisions that may alter the course of her future. Through these early developments, Menke establishes a world where relationships, dreams, and identity intersect.
Carolyn Menke blends lyrical passages with dialogue-driven scenes, creating a rhythm that mirrors the characters’ emotional changes. Menke uses sensory details, such as music, lighting, and movement, to create atmosphere, especially in scenes in performance spaces and social gatherings. Dialogue is used effectively to reveal the character dynamics, with conversations often carrying subtext that hints at deeper motivations. The use of alternating perspectives and internal thoughts gives readers a closer look at Audrey’s mindset, highlighting her uncertainty and ambition. Literary elements such as the contrast between stability and risk, along with the symbolic use of performance to reflect identity, enrich the storytelling. Readers who enjoy character-focused narratives and stories centered on relationships and personal choices will find much to appreciate. I’m Yours will appeal to readers who enjoy authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, particularly in the way personal ambition and emotional connection are woven together.
