Synopsis

In this dazzling new novel, Emily Giffin, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Something Borrowed, Where We Belong, and The One & Only introduces a pair of sisters who find themselves at a crossroads.

Growing up, Josie and Meredith Garland shared a loving, if sometimes contentious relationship. Josie was impulsive, spirited, and outgoing; Meredith hardworking, thoughtful, and reserved. When tragedy strikes their family, their different responses to the event splinter their delicate bond.

Fifteen years later, Josie and Meredith are in their late thirties, following very different paths. Josie, a first grade teacher, is single—and this close to swearing off dating for good. What she wants more than the right guy, however, is to become a mother—a feeling that is heightened when her ex-boyfriend’s daughter ends up in her class. Determined to have the future she’s always wanted, Josie decides to take matters into her own hands.

On the outside, Meredith is the model daughter with the perfect life. A successful attorney, she’s married to a wonderful man, and together they’re raising a beautiful four-year-old daughter. Yet lately, Meredith feels dissatisfied and restless, secretly wondering if she chose the life that was expected of her rather than the one she truly desired.

As the anniversary of their tragedy looms and painful secrets from the past begin to surface, Josie and Meredith must not only confront the issues that divide them, but also come to terms with their own choices. In their journey toward understanding and forgiveness, both sisters discover they need each other more than they knew . . . and that in the recipe for true happiness, love always comes first.

Emotionally honest and utterly enthralling, First Comes Love is a story about family, friendship, and the courage to follow your own heart—wherever that may lead.

Review

I have always enjoyed this author’s books and this was no exception.

I like that despite the dysfunction of the family that they can come together in times of need, even after the death of the oldest child, Daniel, 15 years ago. There are still issues that each person is dealing with (primarily Josie and Meredith since the book is from their perspective). But both of them learn more about themselves and grow and are able to overcome the shadows they have been hiding in over the past 15 years.

Josie is a bit of a wildcard and her choice to become a single mom was admirable. There are some twists in regards to the “sperm donor”, but it was very interesting and I wonder if there will be any follow up books to see where they are in a year or so and if anything changes in her personal life.

Meredith is in a spot that many women probably find themselves, in a marriage they may not want to be in and not sure what they should do. I think some women will be able to relate to her and the struggles she faces.

We give it 4 paws up.

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