Alli Hoff Kosik’s 'People, Please' brings 13 Going on 30' vibes to the Jersey Shore

Author Alli Hoff Kosik is preparing to release her second novel, People, Please, a contemporary fiction story blending magical realism, relationships and self-discovery against the backdrop of New Jersey's Jersey Shore.

PEOPLE exclusively revealed the cover of the upcoming book, which will be published by Grand Central Publishing on May 18, 2027. The novel follows Kat, whose life takes an unexpected turn when her husband announces he is leaving her because her people-pleasing tendencies have strained their marriage.

Seeking a fresh start, Kat moves to her father's apartment in New Jersey, where she plans to help him prepare for his own wedding. There, she meets Sydney, a single mother and essential oils enthusiast whose unconventional approach to life challenges Kat's established habits.

Set during what the book's synopsis describes as a wild, experimental summer, People, Please explores personal growth and the difficulties of breaking free from the need to satisfy everyone else.

Kosik said the idea allowed her to explore her own experiences with people-pleasing through speculative fiction and magical realism. She cited films such as 13 Going on 30 and Wish Upon a Star as inspirations for the story. The novel is set in Ocean City, a real seaside town in New Jersey that holds personal significance for the author.

The book also underwent a creative transformation. Kosik initially envisioned People, Please as a young adult novel and her debut publication. However, after completing Too Blessed to Stress, she reconsidered the project and developed it for adult readers.

The author said adding essential oils and multi-level marketing to the plot helped the story take shape. She hopes the finished novel will offer readers both an enjoyable summer read and a meaningful exploration of people-pleasing.

People, Please is available for preorder ahead of its May 2027 release.