Many thanks to Goodreads and the publishers for providing an ARC as part of the Goodreads Giveaway. I was extremely excited to discover a copy of First Comes Love in my mailbox yesterday. So excited, in fact, that I made the immediate decision to read it and it promptly ascended to the top of the books on my nightstand. Today, being a beautiful day in Toronto, I spent the entire day outdoors reading First Comes Love and devoured it in a single sitting.

First Comes Love presents a distinct story compared to Giffin's other novels. It delves into the relationship between two sisters and how they have come to terms with the tragic death of their only brother 15 years ago. I am truly enamored with the way that Giffin weaves a story. You develop an incredibly close connection with the characters, and there is something within each character that I could easily relate to. There is an element of mystery intertwined within the stories of the two sisters, and the revelation of the truth enables the sisters to truly break down and gain a deeper understanding of each other's lives.

First Comes Love is an absolute must-read for all fans of Emily Giffin's novels. I am delighted to state that it is nothing like the disaster that was her last novel, The One and Only. It offers a fresh and engaging narrative that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

This family drama earns a solid 4.5 stars. It is narrated in an easy-to-read and modern fashion, which makes it a pleasure to dive into.

The novel has a profound impact as it makes you contemplate life and the search for happiness in a non-traditional way. It challenges the norms and encourages you to think independently.

I truly applaud this independent thinking that the novel promotes. It makes you realize that when your heart is in the right place, it is not only okay but also an amazing adventure to live your life "outside the box".

You will find yourself reflecting on your own life choices and being inspired to take risks and pursue what truly makes you happy. This family drama is not just a story but a thought-provoking journey that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Won Paperback ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway (in 2016).

Oh my godddd! It's high time to move on!! These women have been living for their deceased brother for a whopping 15 years. In my personal opinion, it seems like a rather sick obsession. Meredith and Josie, the main characters, were both extremely unlikable. Their personalities and actions just didn't resonate with me at all. Moreover, the circumstances presented in the book were also far from appealing. It felt as if the story was going nowhere and was just dragging on. So, yeah no, this book was definitely not for me. I couldn't connect with the characters or the plot, and it failed to hold my interest. I'm disappointed that I won this ARC, as I was hoping for a better read. But sometimes, you just have to accept that a book isn't a good fit for you and move on to something else.

3.5 stars review to follow

I received this book from the Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a real page-turner for me, and I finished it in no time. It's the kind of book that's perfect for the summer months when you want a light and engaging read, or for a long plane ride to pass the time.

The story begins with a family tragedy that occurred 15 years ago. Then, it fast forwards to the present day, where we meet Josie and Meredith, two sisters who couldn't be more different. Meredith is married to Nolan, who was her older brother's best friend. She had dreams of becoming an actress but ended up as an attorney with a seemingly perfect life on the outside. On the other hand, Josie is a school teacher who appears to be living in the moment, spontaneous and carefree, but still hasn't gotten over a past love.

The relationship between the sisters is quite contentious. They seem to disagree on almost everything. Josie is the older sister, but as I was reading the book, it often felt like Meredith was the older one and Josie was the younger.

Both sisters have their own issues to face in their lives, and as the anniversary of their brother's death approaches, past fears and secrets start to surface and boil over.

I found this book to be very easy to read and engaging. I really enjoyed the characters and their story lines. Even the arguments between the sisters felt real and added to the authenticity of the story. The book is not just about grief; it's also about relationships, being true to yourself, and being honest with others.

This is my first book by Emily Griffin, but it definitely won't be my last. I'm looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.

See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com

Aitäh lugemiselamuse eest, Rahva Raamatu kirjastus! However, in reality, this book didn't really appeal to me. I thought, yes, it was a quick read and yes, I finished it within three days, which is a very good result. BUT... but what I expected from this was some deep story about a vineyard and how to deal with it and how the sisters come together and so on and so forth. What did I get from this? Just one dysfunctional family who, 15 years later, decided to look for their deceased brother's teenage girlfriend and get together with her. To find out what? That Daniel's death had ruined his life. And if that wasn't the case, then the sisters were angry. This time, it was at that woman, because otherwise they were angry at each other all the time. At least one thing they agreed on... But why have they been angry at each other their whole lives? Who knows, no one really said

I have mixed feelings about her writing.

On one hand, some of her books are truly good, with engaging plots and well-developed characters.

But on the other hand, this particular book is very predictable.

I really didn't sense the emotions that Emily intended to convey regarding Josie and Meredith's life story.

I felt rather detached from the narrative, as if I was just an observer and not really invested in what was happening.

However, if you're looking for a good, easy book to read, this one might still be great for you.

It doesn't require a lot of deep thinking or analysis, and it can be a nice way to pass the time.

Maybe it's just not the right fit for me, but others might find it enjoyable and satisfying.

Overall, I'm still undecided about Emily's writing as a whole.

DNF @ 36% boo, I am truly sad to have given up on this.

I just couldn't envision any improvement for myself. Everyone should indeed relish each and every story they embark upon!! In a different era, perhaps I could have persevered because I was at least reaching the stage where an air of mystery was emerging - that part of wondering how this was really going to conclude? However, the problem lies in the fact that the content is absolute crap that I despise - the problems, the senseless lying, the lingering feelings for the old boyfriend, marrying for the wrong motives, and not being able to see the answers that are right before your eyes.

I couldn't even keep the two sisters straight as they bounced back and forth, which shows just how poorly I connected with this. Some authors have the ability to pen such material in a really intelligent and enjoyable manner. In fact, Emily Giffin did so in a book titled Something Borrowed :).

It's a pity that this particular work failed to capture my interest and engage me on a deeper level. Maybe in the future, I'll come across a story that will truly resonate with me and keep me hooked until the very end.

This was a fine read.

I just did not feel the profound sorrow or the strong family bond that was supposed to exist within Josie and Meredith's family.

Although I did indeed appreciate the unique bond that Josie and Meredith shared as sisters, it wasn't enough to fully engage me on an emotional level.

Yet, I was more drawn towards Josie and her carefree personality.

Even though their marriage was fractured, I found myself firmly on Nolan's side.

When things got difficult, it seemed that Meredith would either retreat into herself or lash out at Nolan, which made it hard for me to empathize with her.

Out of the two sisters, Meredith appeared to be closer to her brother, but this aspect of the story didn't really add much depth for me.

This book was rather long, almost more like a tome than a typical book.

This wouldn't have bothered me if I had been able to form a strong connection with the characters in this story.

However, this may not have been one of my favorite books by this author.

Nevertheless, I will still read more books by this author in the hope of finding that special something that will truly resonate with me.

First Comes Love is a truly touching story that delves into the lives of two sisters, Meredith and Josie, 15 years after the tragic loss of their brother in a car accident.

Meredith, a wife, mother, attorney, and sister to Josie, appears to have it all with her successful career and family. However, she constantly doubts whether the decisions she has made in life have truly led to her happiness. Was she simply following the path her parents desired because of her brother's passing, or is she genuinely content?

On the other hand, Josie, an unmarried first-grade teacher, longs for the life that Meredith questions. She yearns for a baby and a family of her own. With her 40th birthday approaching, she is worried that time is running out. But since the loss of her brother, she has never fully come to terms with the events that took place before the accident that forever changed their family's lives.

Author Emily Giffin takes readers on a journey with these two very different sisters as they are forced to confront their pasts and discover what will truly make them happy. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Meredith's and Josie's quests to face their pasts and differences with each other, and learning that love must always come first. Although I didn't always agree with their views, I appreciated their fresh perspectives and the raw emotions they displayed in the face of tragedy. Everyone copes with death in their own unique way, and Giffin does an excellent job of presenting this reality, which is often lacking in novels. I would highly recommend this book, although I did deduct one star (I wish I could give 4.5 stars) due to some open endings and lingering questions I had about the characters' lives at the conclusion.

Emotionally honest and utterly enthralling,

First Comes Love is a captivating story that delves deep into the themes of family, friendship, and the courage to follow one's own heart, no matter where that path may lead.

Perhaps I'm being a bit generous in awarding this book four stars. However, I'm truly glad that Emily Giffin has penned a better work compared to the abysmal The One and Only. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Although it may not be on par with her best works like Something Borrowed and Something Blue, it shows that she is gradually recovering from the disappointment that was The One and Only.

The story revolves around sisters Meredith and Josie, who are complete opposites. They are striving to figure out their lives and discover what brings them true happiness, all while still mourning the loss of their brother fifteen years ago.

If you are a die-hard Emily Giffin fan, then by all means, read this book. But if you simply enjoy reading in general, I would say there's no immediate rush to pick it up. Nevertheless, it should definitely be on your reading list.

I truly have a great affection for the way this author composes. Generally speaking, I am left with a sense of satisfaction and upliftment, or at least I get cheered up a little. However, this particular piece was extremely miserable.

None of the issues were resolved properly, which really kind of irked me. There was zero romance in it. Instead, it was solely focused on delving into the awkward family dynamics and the long and lingering shadow that a sudden bereavement casts over the lives of the beloved ones.

Regrettably, it was not a good or satisfying read for me at all. It failed to meet my expectations and left me with a rather negative impression.

I had hoped for a more engaging and fulfilling story, but unfortunately, this one just didn't deliver.

Family trauma and drama, sibling conflicts, personality clashes, the complex web of who we love, how we love, and why we love those we do - all these elements contribute to the intricate family dynamics.

The things you said, did, or thought about doing when you were just five, ten, or fifteen can have a lasting impact, being held against you or used to measure the person you should have become twenty or thirty years later. These are the life scars that mark us.

A seemingly tightly-knit family can sometimes come apart, leaving individuals to live their own lives, only connecting briefly until an old grudge resurfaces, and then they go their separate ways. Yet, beneath it all, there is that momentary pause, that "if only" thought. But then, it disappears, and they return to their ordinary day-to-day lives filled with the routine of jobs, friends, co-workers, groceries, cooking, and sleep.

This novel isn't just about romantic love; it explores love in all its forms, along with regrets, guilt, and forgiveness. It shows the need for forgiveness, the seeking of it, and the act of extending it to others.

Told from the alternating perspectives of two sisters, one is the "practically perfect in every way" sister, the classic, driven firstborn, a perfectionist yet also sensitive and sentimental, quirky and kind. The other sister has her imperfections, a history of poor decisions, a long list of failed relationships, and a less glamorous career without a fancy title.

Slowly, the story unfolds like an origami swan, revealing how all those dents, creases, and wrinkles make a family, just like the swan, truly lovely. And as the story progresses, we realize that there is one constant - love comes first, and in the end, it is the only thing that remains.