A heartfelt story of two women struggling with loss—one uncertain of her future and one hardened by her past—and the unlikely friendship that blooms between them.

Dog walker by day and fortune cookie writer by night, Marissa is broke. Blindsided by divorce and one year short of an Ivy League degree, she’s determined to support her young son, Owen, musically gifted and struggling to hide his peculiar behaviors from the world. When a mysterious stranger offers her a week’s pay to cook dinners for Rose, an irritable widow in her apartment building, Marissa accepts, despite her doubts. She’d be a fool to turn down such easy cash.

But Marissa soon finds the task to be more difficult than she expected. Rose is ninety-four, tends to lapse into Yiddish, and has no interest in visits from an unfamiliar neighbor. While Owen fights to keep his symptoms a secret, Marissa encounters clues to Rose’s past: a piano, silent for decades, yet still in tune; a locked case with an unbreakable code; a child’s diary; and three hidden photos bearing an inscription. As Owen’s future darkens, Rose’s devastating secret is revealed—leaving Marissa to decide how to create good fortune for the three of them.

Root for Marissa and Rose in a novel readers call a “thought-provoking, lovely story,” “an exceptional read,” and “a beautiful book you won’t want to put down.”

Midwest Book Review
“Nina Navisky writes with a warm hand that leads readers into thought-provoking moments… The Fortune Cookie Writer will delight…”

Goodreads reviews
“This was a compelling read with well-defined and nuanced characters. I loved the fortunes at the beginning of every chapter— it was a great detail!! The book handles the complexities of relationships of all sorts— romantic, family, neighbors--as well as the complexities of issues that many of us deal with very deftly.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Marissa and Owen, a mother and her young son, are two very fragile characters in this tender and loving story of finding healing and strength in a most unusual way… You will find yourself pulling for Marissa and Owen while admiring the pure love of this mother for her son while encouraging Rose to reach out to this family. This book is gentle and heartwarming, sad and hopeful, inspiring and unforgettable.”⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

“In The Fortune Cookie Writer, author Nina Navisky expertly weaves together the life stories of two women who were unlikely friends but whose destinies collided thanks to a loving act of kindness of a third woman. This book is for anyone who has lost a loved one, had regrets over past words and actions, has misunderstood or been misunderstood and for all of us who have asked ourselves the question, “are my kids ok?” Reading this book will bring comfort and connection to those who have felt alone with life’s challenges.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

“A great, fun, fresh read! Loved the perspectives of all of the characters. Navisky did a great job of voicing a diverse cast and it left me wanting more.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

“The Fortune Cookie Writer is an excellent book to curl up with and enjoy. Step into the real life world of Marissa, a recently divorced mother, her five year old son, Owen, and their downstairs neighbor, Rose. They are believable characters with problems that are common to all.A definite pick for our book club! An added bonus—each chapter begins with a clever fortune cookie message!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Nina Navisky continues to impress with her uncanny ability to delve into the fundamentals of family relationships...Both generations draw the reader in with gentleness and surprises. This book is a joy to read and the reader will fall in love with the characters as their pasts and presents come to life." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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