I always find it challenging to pen reviews for books like this, the ones that leave me in a sort of limbo state. What I mean by that is a state where my mind is still in a whirlwind, going over all that has happened, even long after the story has ended. It's like the train has stopped, but my thoughts are still racing along the tracks, reliving the entire journey. In this touching tale of love and family, Emily Giffin delves deep into the realm of relationships, especially the intricate bond between siblings. She shows how love can persevere through the most heart-wrenching of experiences. The two main characters she introduces make an unforgettable impression, and I'm certain they'll stay with me for years to come, much like the first two female characters who made me fall in love with her stories in the first place. :)

First Comes Love follows the lives of two sisters, Josie and Meredith, after they both suffer a life-altering loss. Josie, the middle child, and Meredith, the baby of the trio, have a relationship that is as complex as it gets. They love each other deeply, but they struggle to express it due to their fundamental differences. These differences are magnified even further after tragedy strikes their family. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, as I think the synopsis already provides enough information for readers to go into the story with an open mind.

Anyone who has siblings, especially sisters, knows that there is no bond more complex and full of contradictions. It's a relationship that is both loving and supportive, yet it can also be filled with jealousy and competitiveness. Your sister can bring out the best and the worst in you within minutes. While there are sibling relationships that are more laid-back than the one depicted in First Comes Love, based on mutual interests and camaraderie, I believe Emily Giffin's portrayal of Josie and Meredith is a more accurate reflection of the modern-day sibling bond. These two women, with the world at their feet, follow their own paths, unencumbered by societal expectations, and are truly free to do as they please with their lives.

I adored the characters in this book. Meredith and her husband, Josie and her best friend, their parents, and their friends - they are all extraordinary, with multi-faceted personalities. None of them are clichéd or predictable. I couldn't even decide which sister was my favorite, and I usually have a clear preference! I related to both characters on different levels, loved them, disliked them, and wholeheartedly rooted for them both. This is a rare occurrence for me, as I can often be quite biased. Emily Giffin has an uncanny talent for creating rich and engaging stories that both entertain and enlighten. That's why she'll always be one of my favorite authors. This is an honest and beautiful portrayal of love and family, warts and all. It's a captivating story that sucked me in without my even realizing it. The 400 pages flew by in what felt like the blink of an eye. And when it was over, I had experienced a wonderful, moving, and thought-provoking story about two complex and modern women - the kind of story I always hope to find when I open a book, and the kind of story that I always get with an Emily Giffin novel.

I feel the need to start this review by explaining how I managed to give this novel 4-stars when I completely disliked every character in this book.

I am usually drawn to a good family drama, especially stories about siblings. So, the premise of this book was a huge selling point. Another reason that brought me to this novel was the author. I really enjoyed Emily Giffin’s Something Borrowed and Something Blue, and I was already familiar with her style of writing. Indeed, I think Giffin really shines in family drama and the description of everyday life in a way that’s interesting and smart.

This book surrounds the story of the Garland family. After losing their oldest son in a car accident, they become extremely dysfunctional. There is something to be said about grief and tragedy. It either brings out the best in people or the absolute worst. In the case of the Garlands, it definitely brought out the worst.

Although this story doesn't really have a traditional plot, Giffin still manages to make the narrative engaging and the dialogues dynamic. The format of the novel is set up with alternating chapters between Josie's and Meredith's accounts of their lives. Josie is in her late 30s, an elementary school teacher who is self-absorbed and selfish. Meredith, an OCD lawyer, is not much better. She is also extremely selfish, although she doesn't see it. Both sisters, along with their father and mother, have never truly processed the death of Daniel fifteen years earlier. Somehow, those scars have dictated their lives, their choices, and the relationship (or lack thereof) they have with each other.

I really tried to sympathize with these sisters, but I just couldn't. I believe Meredith's complete ungratefulness and inability to see anything beyond her own interests made me want to slap her in the face a couple of times. And that is one of the reasons this novel deserves 4-stars. Although parts of the story are predictable and even impossible, Giffin's character development was so good that I had a very clear idea of the voice and mannerisms of these characters by the time I finished the book. This is an emotional and well-written novel with themes of grievance, forgiveness, friendship, and love.

I was extremely excited to delve into Giffin's latest book. Even though her previous one was a disappointment that I had given up on, this new work truly showcases the charm that "Something Borrowed" had captured in her writing. In this book, she explores the intricate relationship between sisters.

When their brother is unfortunately taken away from them, Meredith and Josie's lives diverge into two different directions after his death. Meredith appears to have it all - a perfect marriage, a successful career, and a child. Josie, on the other hand, remains single after her first love has moved on. She decides to take a different path in life and raise a child in a less traditional way. However, as it turns out, neither story is as straightforward as it seems. Josie is carrying a secret that poses a threat to her already strained relationship with her sister regarding the night of her brother's accident.

This book is a thoroughly satisfying read from beginning to end. It is a pleasure to沉浸其中 and follow the lives and struggles of these characters. (Read More Reviews HERE: http://www.momadvice.com/post/july-20...)

Everyone in this book needs therapy.

*Spoilers ahead. Because this book was so meh, I just don't care.*

I'm not really sure when Emily Giffin's characters crossed the line from being complex and realistic to whiny and unlikable, but the latter is absolutely on full display in First Comes Love.

Giffin introduces us to Meredith and Josie, two sisters who have let their entire lives be defined by the early, stereotypical prologue death of their older brother. Since that point in time, Meredith has gone on to marry her deceased brother's best friend (and question every minute of that marriage), while Josie is obnoxious and eternally obsessed with relationships and babies.

Guys, I'm going to be honest: it's been a few weeks since I've finished reading this book, and I still can't figure out what the point of this book was supposed to be. Was it learning how to not make impulsive decisions after grief? Or learning not to be creepy and have a baby with your best friend when you're flirting with another guy? Or was it not being a complete brat to your sibling, especially when you are a grown-ass adult?

Whatever the point of Giffin's book was supposed to be, it was lost on me in the pure drudgery of this story. Because Meredith and Josie are two deeply unlikable people, who are selfish, self-centered, and clear-cut examples of why it's healthy to get grief counseling after a traumatic event.

Honestly, between the sisters bickering like absolute brats at every possible opportunity - including a SUPER awkward family dinner - their mom's obsession with remaining connected with her deceased son's one-time girlfriend who has clearly moved on, and Meredith and Jo generally refusing to take responsibility for their lives, I just can't recommend this book.

(Meredith LITERALLY runs away from her family at one point, because she's just so stressed by her so-called difficult life. Suck it up and put on your big girl pants, damn it.)

Giffin's books have gotten ridiculous since The One & Only, and First Comes Love is increasingly making me think that the talent that shone in Something Borrowed and Something Blue was an aberration.

Final verdict: Don't bother.

I truly relished this book! Giffin's works have been somewhat of a mixed bag for me. Fortunately, this one turned out to be a resounding success. I must admit that I was completely engrossed from start to finish by Josie, Meredith, and all the other characters. Some people have claimed that the sisters were not realistic, but I wholeheartedly disagree. There are numerous themes in this novel that go beyond the typical fluff. It explores different relationships, love, family, guilt, and survival in the face of tragedy. I also liked the Atlanta setting. I sincerely hope that her next book is just as excellent (or even better).

Favorite Quote: "...not only does love come first, but in the end, it's the only thing that remains." This quote really struck a chord with me, emphasizing the importance and enduring power of love. It made me reflect on how love can overcome all obstacles and be the one constant in our lives. I found it to be a beautiful and profound statement that added depth to the overall story.

**First Comes Love: A Review**

"First Comes Love" is not your typical romance novel. It leans more towards Women's Fiction or Chick Lit. However, having read and loved Emily Giffin's previous works, I was excited to review this one. And I'm so glad I did! It was a warm and heartfelt read that really tugged at my heartstrings.

The story centers around two sisters, Meredith and Josie, who are as different as night and day. After a tragic event that shatters their family, they cope in completely opposite ways. This aspect of the story was very relatable, especially for those with a sister bond.
Both sisters struggle with the question of whether it's selfish to pursue their own happiness at the expense of others, or if they should always put others first. This internal conflict adds depth and complexity to the characters.
I really enjoyed this story. The entire family was well-developed and lovable. I adored Gabe and Pete, as well as Nolan and Harper. It's a story that many readers will be able to identify with, as it deals with real-life issues such as loss, love, and family.
Overall, "First Comes Love" is an interesting book that's not just a summer read, but perhaps one for the fall when we're all reflecting on the year and looking forward to the future. It's a story full of heartache and sadness, but also one of hope and redemption. I look forward to reading more from Emily Giffin in the future.

First Comes Love


I had completely forgotten just how deeply I truly love Emily Giffin's novels. It feels as if an eternity has passed since her last book was released. So, I was absolutely eager and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. And let me tell you, it didn't disappoint me in the slightest. I have always had a great enjoyment for her stories that revolve around sisters, friends, and families. She has this remarkable ability to write about things that really hit home, that resonate with our own lives and emotions. And this latest work of hers is yet another winner, just like all the previous ones. It's filled with the kind of drama, heartache, and love that keeps you turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next. Emily Giffin has once again proven why she is one of my favorite authors.

This book centered around two sisters who had a brother. Sadly, their brother passed away as a teen or young adult in a car accident.

Interestingly, the last book I had read was also about a girl who was grappling with the loss of her teen sister in a similar car accident. Due to this coincidence, I truly was not inclined towards this book.

Moreover, the characters failed to captivate me. Reading numerous chapters about the sisters constantly bickering with one another became extremely irritating.

I suppose the timing of this book was simply not right for me. However, I would be intrigued to listen to what others might think, especially those who are approaching it with a completely fresh perspective and without the baggage of a similar previous read.

Perhaps they would find something in it that I missed, or they might have a different take on the characters and the story. It will be interesting to see how others respond to this book.

The story unfolds around a family that is shattered when their son and brother, Daniel, passes away. The father, who is an alcoholic, relapses into drinking, which ultimately leads to a divorce. The two sisters, who already didn't have a close bond, find themselves growing even more distant from each other.

Fifteen years later, Josie, who has always been a free spirit, is approaching forty and is worried. She is tired of dating without finding the right man. She once had a failed relationship. Josie is now a first-year teacher, and her ex-boyfriend's daughter is about to be in her class. She dreads seeing him and his wife again, but this encounter forces her to reevaluate her life. She decides that she wants a child before it's too late. Just before this, she goes on a date with Pete, a physical therapist who seems really interested in her. Josie can always count on her best friend Gabe, who will help her choose a sperm donor.

Meredith, the other sister, is married to Daniel's best friend. They started dating the morning after Daniel died. He was there for her and her parents, supporting them and helping to spread the news. Meredith is hiding her unhappiness with her life. She wanted to be an actress but ended up as a lawyer. The only good thing in her marriage is her daughter Harriett. She knows that the death of Daniel is the reason her life turned out this way, and she is tired of living a charade.

I was saddened by these characters. Sometimes the death of a family member can bring a family closer, but in this case, it had the opposite effect. The parents divorced, and the daughters' relationship became more strained. At times, it felt like they hated each other, blaming each other for past mistakes. If I had to choose, I would say I liked Josie better. Although she was self-centered, she was at least trying to find happiness and was ready to move forward with her life. I felt like Meredith was imploding hers.

I also want to mention that I found Josie's relationship with Gabe a bit odd. It wasn't because of what he offered to do but because he was always described as morose. Why would she hang out with someone like that? However, he was someone she could count on. Pete surprised me with his rational behavior during the whole ordeal. I don't think I would have been as calm. I was in love with Nolan. He was a great dad and husband. I wish the book had an epilogue so I could have learned more about his future. Overall, I gave this book 4/5 fangs. A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The last book I read by her did very little for me. It failed to capture my interest and left me rather disappointed. However, this one I quite enjoyed.

It had a certain charm and engaging storyline that kept me turning the pages. The characters were well-developed and the plot had enough twists and turns to hold my attention.

Still, I don't know if anything she writes will ever compare with Something Borrowed. That book was truly a masterpiece in my eyes. It had a unique combination of humor, romance, and drama that made it a memorable read.

No matter how good her other books may be, Something Borrowed will always hold a special place in my heart. I guess only time will tell if she can ever create something that comes close to that level of excellence.

I've been a die-hard fan of Emily Giffin's ever since I delved into Something Borrowed - a novel that, I'm well aware, stirs up quite a bit of controversy. So, when her most recent novel came out, I was over the moon with excitement. Truth be told, I haven't read an extensive number of her books. Perhaps I'm not exactly the targeted audience for this particular novel (and that was the case with Something Borrowed too, especially since I read it at the tender age of about 14), but it still managed to pique my interest. When I finally got my hands on it, I simply couldn't resist picking it up. And I'm glad I did, because although it was much different from what I had anticipated, I wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

I was really drawn to how the book kicks off with the tragic event that befalls the family - the older brother's untimely death. Even though the remainder of the story unfolds fifteen years later, this specific incident truly serves as the catalyst that sets the story in motion. I firmly believe it's crucial for readers to be privy to this information right from the get-go. Since I'm around the girls' age at the time of the tragedy, I could vividly imagine what it would be like to lose a sibling so suddenly. This made it significantly easier for me to empathize with them. I adored how Josie and Meredith's responses to grief are so截然不同. It reminded me a little of the differences between my sister and me, which in turn made the story feel even more realistic to me. Additionally, as someone who hasn't experienced the loss of many people yet (knock on wood), it's always a bit of a challenge for me to envision losing a loved one. So, even though it can be a bit painful to read about, grief is something that has always held a certain allure for me.

The main characters are developed incredibly well, and they just keep getting more and more fascinating as the story progresses. I'm not entirely sure which of the sisters is my favorite, because I have a genuine fondness for both of them, despite the fact that they can be exasperating at times. Witnessing their relationship evolve is truly captivating. At first, they're constantly bickering, and it's that classic love/hate dynamic. But as the story unfolds, it becomes more about love than anything else. It was truly touching to behold, and it felt even better than a typical romantic comedy.

When it comes to the actual relationships in the story, I think they're quite realistic. However, since I have absolutely no personal experience in this area, I could be completely off the mark. I enjoyed seeing the beginning of one relationship as well as the struggles of another, as the contrast between the two is quite striking. Meredith's honesty and her determination to find what's best for herself are truly inspiring, because let's face it, most people don't possess that much courage.

Overall, I found this story to be an extremely enjoyable read. It's not necessarily an easy book, but I had a great time immersing myself in its pages. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking story.

I'm not entirely certain as to the reason why, but for some odd reason, I simply couldn't truly immerse myself in the story. It wasn't because of the constant flipping back and forth between different scenes or time periods. Instead, there was just something that prevented me from really connecting with it on a deeper level.

Nevertheless, I still managed to find some enjoyment in it. I could clearly see that it was written quite well, with a certain finesse and skill. The character development was also quite good, as the author did a nice job of fleshing out the personalities and motivations of the various characters.

However, when compared to Something Borrowed, I have to admit that I really preferred the latter. Something Borrowed had a certain charm and appeal that this story just couldn't quite match. It had a more engaging plot and characters that I could really root for and identify with.